- Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Villanova Wildcats
- Event Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Venue: Palazzo dello Sport, Rome, Italy
- Broadcasting: Fox
- Betting Odds/Point Spread: Notre Dame (+7.5)
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who ended last season with a 13-18 record, will face off against the Villanova Wildcats (24-9 last season) at Palazzo dello Sport on Sunday. Villanova enters the game as 7.5-point favorites, according to Vegas odds. The total points are set at 147.5.
In their previous match, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost to Boston College with a score of 77-69. The Irish committed 30 personal fouls, while Boston College had 19. Notre Dame struggled behind the arc, making only 6 of 28 three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Boston College shot 75.6% from the free-throw line, converting 31 of 41 attempts. The Eagles also dominated the boards, grabbing 40 rebounds (6 offensive, 34 defensive) without any blocks. They recorded 10 assists and secured 8 steals. On defense, Notre Dame allowed their opponents a shooting percentage of 36.4% (20 of 55). The Irish collected 33 rebounds (6 offensive) and recorded 10 assists while causing 9 turnovers and getting 4 steals themselves. Notre Dame converted 14 of 21 attempts from the charity stripe, finishing with a 66.7% accuracy rate. Overall, they shot 35.5% from the floor (22 of 62) and made 11 of 35 three-point attempts.
Jalen Haralson played a crucial role in the matchup, scoring 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting. He contributed 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 30 minutes on the court, achieving a notable shooting percentage of 63.6%.
Coming off a season with a 13-18 record, Notre Dame averaged 11.5 turnovers and committed 17.9 personal fouls per game. They secured an average of 36.6 rebounds and registered 380 assists throughout the last season, positioning them at 318th in Division 1 for assists. The Fighting Irish had a three-point shooting rate of 35.6% (279 of 783) and a free-throw accuracy of 69.7%. Offensively, they managed to score an average of 74.5 points per game, ranking 220th in Division 1, with a shooting percentage of 44.5%.
On the defensive end, the Irish forced 9.5 turnovers per game and drew 18.1 personal fouls. Their defense ranked 164th in college basketball for assists allowed, giving up 434 last season. The opponents shot 43.9% against them (784 of 1,785) and averaged 33.6 rebounds per game against the Irish, conceding 33.2% accuracy from three-point range while allowing 75.3 points per game, ranking 223rd.
In their last outing, the Villanova Wildcats fell to Utah State, 86-76. Villanova secured 25 rebounds overall, consisting of 15 defensive and 10 offensive boards. They had 8 turnovers and clinched 6 steals during the game. Utah State committed 14 personal fouls, providing Villanova with 13 free-throw attempts, of which they converted 6 for 46.2% accuracy. From beyond the arc, the Wildcats made 14 of their 30 attempts (46.7%). They concluded the matchup with a field goal percentage of 44.4%, hitting 28 out of 63 shots while allowing Utah State to shoot 54.9% (28 of 51). Villanova’s perimeter shooting was poor, making only 2 of 16 three-pointers (12.5%), and they finished strong at the free-throw line, hitting 28 of 36 attempts (77.8%). The Wildcats allowed Utah State to grab 34 total rebounds, with 8 being offensive.
Bryce Lindsay played a pivotal role for Villanova, scoring 25 points in 37 minutes with 3 assists. He shot 50.0% from the field, making 9 of 18 attempts, and also contributed 3 rebounds.
Overall, Villanova completed last season with a record of 24-9. The Wildcats posted a field goal percentage of 45.6%, ranking 155th nationally. They accumulated 2,545 points throughout the season (77.1 per game) and grabbed an average of 34.2 boards per contest. They assisted on 15.5 baskets per game (84th in college basketball) and turned the ball over 10.1 times per game. With an average of 16.2 fouls, Villanova achieved a free throw percentage of 68.9%.
When it comes to defense, the Wildcats ranked 105th for points allowed per game (71.2). They managed to force 12.5 turnovers per game while allowing opponents to shoot 45.3% from the field (249th in college basketball). Villanova restricted opponents to 33.4% from three-point range (232 of 694) and allowed 72.1% of free throws made. They averaged 18.7 assists allowed and 34.8 rebounds conceded, ranking 296th and 206th nationally, respectively.
Who will emerge victorious in this NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Notre Dame (+7.5)
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