The Villanova and Notre Dame men's and women's basketball teams are officially set for a one-of-a-kind season opener on an international stage. Pope included. The Fighting Irish's and Wildcats' teams will play in the "Eternal City Tip-Off" in Rome on Nov. 1 to start the 2026-27 season. The doubleheader will make history in a couple of categories: the first men's international season opener and the first Division I basketball game played in Italy. While next season officially begins on Nov. 2, the NCAA approved this special men's and women's event starting in Rome a day early. So why, specifica...
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