NCAAB · Final

Notre Dame Edges Villanova in Close Contest

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 9:30 AM ET · Palazzo dello Sport

Notre Dame Fighting Irish 74, Villanova Wildcats 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Villanova Wildcats?

Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat Villanova Wildcats 74-72 at Palazzo dello Sport on November 1, 2026.

Who was favored in Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Villanova Wildcats?

Villanova Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -298 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish narrowly defeated the Villanova Wildcats with a final score of 74-72 at the Palazzo dello Sport. This game was notable as it marked the first meeting of the season for both teams, with Villanova entering the game with a home record of 0-1 and Notre Dame boasting an away record of 1-0. The Wildcats had been struggling recently, losing their last game against the Georgetown Hoyas, while the Fighting Irish were looking to build on their previous win against NC State.

Villanova's recent form showed a mixed bag, with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak. The Wildcats averaged 76.2 points scored per game while allowing 75.3 points, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Their home record stood at 3-2 in that span, with an average of 74.0 points scored and 75.0 allowed in their last five games.

On the other hand, Notre Dame's recent performance has been less impressive, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 75.3 points scored but allowed a troubling 83.3 points per game. Their away record was particularly concerning, as they had not won any of their last five away games.

The game was characterized by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Logan Duncomb hit a crucial 25-foot three-point jumper, assisted by Braeden Smith, which pushed Notre Dame ahead late in the second half. Following this, Smith added to the lead with a pair of free throws, bringing the score to 72-68. Villanova attempted to rally, with Elijah Crawford and Brady Koehler each contributing points from the free-throw line, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

In terms of betting lines, DraftKings had Villanova favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 145.5. The odds reflected a belief in Villanova's potential to perform well at home despite their current struggles. Notre Dame's moneyline was set at 240.0, indicating that they were viewed as underdogs in this matchup.

The game conditions were typical for a late fall basketball contest, with both teams facing off in a venue that has hosted numerous significant games. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams fought for early-season momentum.

As the game unfolded, viewers were encouraged to watch for the performances of key players like Braeden Smith, who not only assisted on critical plays but also scored important free throws, and Logan Duncomb, whose three-pointer shifted the momentum in favor of Notre Dame. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams as they look to establish their identities early in the season.

What we said beforehand

The upcoming matchup between the Villanova Wildcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish promises to be intriguing as both teams seek to kick off their seasons on a strong note. This game will take place at the Palazzo dello Sport on November 1, 2026, at 14:30 UTC, marking the beginning of a new campaign for both squads, who each hold a record of 0-0 at this point in the season.

Villanova enters this game with a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games, although they are currently on a one-game losing streak. In their last five outings, they averaged 74.0 points scored and allowed 75.0 points. Notably, Villanova's most recent game resulted in a loss to the Georgetown Hoyas, where they fell 64-78. Prior to that, they secured a victory against the Xavier Musketeers with a score of 91-78 and defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 76-57. Their home record in the last ten games stands at 3-2, and they have shown a solid performance overall with an average of 76.2 points scored and 75.3 points allowed.

On the other hand, Notre Dame has struggled recently, posting a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and currently riding a two-game losing streak. Their last five games have seen them average 73.4 points scored while allowing 85.2 points. Their most recent defeat came against the Boston College Eagles, where they lost 69-77. Prior to that, they suffered a heavy loss to the Duke Blue Devils, 56-100, but did manage to secure a win against the NC State Wolfpack in overtime, 96-90. Notre Dame's away record is concerning, as they have not yet won a game on the road, going 0-5 in that category.

The market has set the odds for this matchup with Villanova favored by 7.5 points, according to DraftKings. The total points line is set at 145.5, with the over priced at -112.0 and the under at -108.0. Villanova's moneyline is -325.0, while Notre Dame's is listed at 260.0, indicating a clear expectation of a Villanova victory.

In terms of conditions, both teams will be looking to establish their identity early in the season. Villanova's recent home form has been relatively strong, while Notre Dame's struggles on the road could play a significant role in the outcome of this game. Fans should keep an eye on how Villanova's offense, which has shown the ability to score high, matches up against Notre Dame's defense, which has been porous, especially in away games.

As both teams prepare for this season opener, the performance of key players and the ability to adapt to game conditions will be pivotal. Villanova will aim to capitalize on their home advantage, while Notre Dame will need to find a way to break their away-game slump if they hope to contend in this matchup.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	VILL -7.5	145.5 o -105 / u -115	Notre Dame Fighting Irish +240 · Villanova Wildcats -298

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsTyler Perkins18Villanova Wildcats
AssistsElijah Crawford5Villanova Wildcats
ReboundsDevin Royal8Villanova Wildcats
PointsBrady Koehler16Notre Dame Fighting Irish
AssistsLogan Duncomb4Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ReboundsBrady Koehler8Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Recent form

Villanova Wildcats

Last 10: 7-3Streak L176.2 scored · 75.3 allowed per game3-2 at home

L64-78vs Georgetown HoyasMar 13
W91-78vs Xavier MusketeersMar 7
W76-57at DePaul Blue DemonsMar 5
L57-89at St. John's Red StormMar 1
W82-73vs Butler BulldogsFeb 26
L63-73vs UConn HuskiesFeb 21
W92-89at Xavier MusketeersFeb 17
W80-69at Creighton BluejaysFeb 14
W77-74vs Marquette Golden EaglesFeb 11
W80-73at Georgetown HoyasFeb 7

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last 10: 2-8Streak L275.3 scored · 83.3 allowed per game0-5 away

L69-77at Boston College EaglesMar 7
L78-86vs Stanford CardinalMar 5
W96-90vs NC State WolfpackFeb 28
L56-100vs Duke Blue DevilsFeb 25
L68-73at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 21
W89-74vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 14
L81-89at SMU MustangsFeb 11
L79-82vs Florida State SeminolesFeb 7
L65-76at Louisville CardinalsFeb 5
L72-86at Syracuse OrangeJan 31

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Notre Dame	1-0	-	0-0
Boston College	0-0	-	0-0
California	0-0	-	0-0
Clemson	0-0	-	0-0
Duke	0-0	-	0-0
Florida State	0-0	-	0-0
Georgia Tech	0-0	-	0-0
Louisville	0-0	-	0-0
Miami	0-0	-	0-0
NC State	0-0	-	0-0
North Carolina	0-0	-	0-0
Pittsburgh	0-0	-	0-0
SMU	0-0	-	0-0
Stanford	0-0	-	0-0
Syracuse	0-0	-	0-0
Virginia	0-0	-	0-0
Virginia Tech	0-0	-	0-0
Wake Forest	0-0	-	0-0
Butler	0-0	-	0-0
Creighton	0-0	-	0-0
DePaul	0-0	-	0-0
Georgetown	0-0	-	0-0
Marquette	0-0	-	0-0
Providence	0-0	-	0-0
Seton Hall	0-0	-	0-0
St. John's	0-0	-	0-0
UConn	0-0	-	0-0
Xavier	0-0	-	0-0
Villanova	0-1	-	0-0

Box score

Stat	Notre Dame Fighting Irish	Villanova Wildcats
Field goals	23-65	24-52
Field goal %	35	46
Three-pointers	9-24	11-31
Three-point %	38	35
Free throws	19-25	13-18
Free throw %	76	72
Rebounds	37	37
Offensive rebounds	17	10
Defensive rebounds	20	27
Assists	14	12
Steals	14	6
Blocks	2	4
Turnovers	11	20
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	1	0
Technical fouls, total	1	0
Flagrant fouls	0	1
Points off turnovers	20	10
Fast-break points	9	10
Points in the paint	22	18
Fouls	19	17
Largest lead	4	10
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	10	83

How the scoring went

2nd Half36-44Brady Koehler makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half36-46Luigi Suigo makes 6-foot dunk (Elijah Crawford assists)
2nd Half38-46Brady Koehler makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half39-46Braeden Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half40-46Braeden Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half40-47Kwame Evans Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half40-49Kwame Evans Jr. makes layup (Elijah Crawford assists)
2nd Half43-49Braeden Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper (Braeden Shrewsberry assists)
2nd Half43-52Jake Fiegen makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elijah Crawford assists)
2nd Half45-52Braeden Shrewsberry makes driving layup
2nd Half45-54Jake Fiegen makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half47-54Logan Duncomb makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half47-57Luigi Suigo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Darryl Simmons II assists)
2nd Half50-57Braeden Shrewsberry makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brady Koehler assists)
2nd Half50-60Tyler Perkins makes 25-foot three pointer
2nd Half53-60Jonathan Sanderson makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half53-61Tyler Perkins makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half54-61Tommy Ahneman makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half55-61Tommy Ahneman makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half55-62Devin Royal makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-62Brady Koehler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Braeden Smith assists)
2nd Half59-62Braeden Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-62Braeden Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half60-64Elijah Crawford makes driving layup
2nd Half60-66Elijah Crawford makes driving layup
2nd Half61-66Braeden Smith makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half62-66Braeden Smith makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half63-66Braeden Smith makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half65-66Ethan Roberts makes driving layup (Logan Duncomb assists)
2nd Half65-67Elijah Crawford makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-68Elijah Crawford makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-68Brady Koehler makes 2-foot dunk (Braeden Smith assists)
2nd Half70-68Logan Duncomb makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braeden Smith assists)
2nd Half71-68Braeden Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-68Braeden Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half72-69Elijah Crawford makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-70Elijah Crawford makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half73-70Brady Koehler makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half74-70Brady Koehler makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half74-72Darryl Simmons II makes driving layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Villanova Wildcats, below favours Notre Dame Fighting Irish.