No. 13 Notre Dame beat Villanova 99-75 in Rome, opening the Wildcats’ 2026-27 season with a dominant first half. Villanova trimmed the deficit to 17 points after halftime but couldn’t get closer. Jasmine Bascoe scored 26 points and dished out nine assists for Villanova, while EJ Bender had 14 points and seven rebounds in her collegiate debut.

By the Numbers
  • Notre Dame led 45-26 at halftime.
  • Notre Dame shot 55.9% from the field; Villanova shot 41.4%.
  • Hannah Hidalgo scored 32 points, and Leah Macy added 27 for Notre Dame.
What's Next

Villanova visits Princeton on Nov. 10. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Bottom Line

Villanova showed second-half fight, but Notre Dame’s early lead and more efficient shooting proved decisive.