Villanova had the pope’s support and many more traveling fans. Notre Dame prevailed on the court.

The Fighting Irish produced a late comeback for a 74-72 victory in the men’s game that opened the college basketball season in Rome on Sunday. Then Hannah Hidalgo starred as the No. 13 Notre Dame women won to complete a sweep of Pope Leo's alma mater, beating Villanova 99-75.

The doubleheader between the two Catholic universities, dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off, was created to honor the first American pope, who was not in attendance for the games.

But Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV did receive all four teams in an audience at the Vatican on Saturday.

“I’ve been a part of some really cool things and this is right at the top of the list of experiences,” Notre Dame men's coach Micah Shrewsberry said.…