Notre Dame wins opener: Villanova falls as Shrewsberry seeks relief
The Irish overcame a late deficit to beat the Wildcats, while High Point and Queens showed early signs of March potential in Monday's slate.
By William Turner ·
College basketball returned to the hardwood on Sunday, with the 2026-27 season officially tipping off in Rome. Notre Dame secured the first win of the year against Villanova, a result that offers immediate relief to a program seeking to break a three-year drought without an NCAA tournament appearance.
Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry has been on the hot seat following a 13-win campaign. At ACC media day last month, Shrewsberry described a personal epiphany, stating he realized he had not enjoyed moments at his alma mater as much as he expected, even while coaching his son, Braeden Shrewsberry. He told reporters his attitude entering this season is different.
Against Villanova, the Irish displayed more rhythm and cohesiveness than in previous seasons under Shrewsberry. Four players recorded double-digit scoring, and the team converted 38% of its three-point attempts. The outcome hinged on the final two minutes, when Notre Dame fought back from a six-point deficit to take the lead and hold it through the end. A season ago, the Irish lost multiple games in similar late-game scenarios.
High Point University, which defeated fifth-seed Wisconsin in the first round of the 2025 NCAA tournament, opened its 2026-27 season with a 72-57 victory over Liberty. Coach Flynn Clayman lost star guard Rob Martin in the offseason but reloaded the roster with transfers and freshmen. The Panthers appear deeper than their Cinderella run squad from a year ago, which won 31 games.
Cam'Ron Fletcher, the 2026 Big South Preseason Player of the Year, contributed eight points and seven rebounds. However, his performance was overshadowed by South Florida transfer CJ Brown, Tulane transfer Curtis Williams Jr., freshman Trey Pearson, and returnee Conrad Martinez. The win came without Monmouth transfer Jason Rivera-Torres, a preseason All-Big South selection.
Ryan Miller of another mid-major program retained star sophomore Roman Domon, who scored 22 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 30-point win over Tennessee State. Miller also brought in France native Talis Soulhac and Auburn transfer Kaden Magwood. The coaching staff added Pavle Nikolic and Mark Padjen from the international ranks. As these new players adjust to NCAA play, the team's offensive versatility is expected to increase.
Queens University brought back three double-figure scorers from its previous NCAA tournament run: Nasir Mann, Avantae Parker, and Jordan Watford. Watford delivered a standout performance in a 103-98 win over Winthrop, recording 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. The Royals play at a fast pace and have historically shot at a high three-point percentage.
Watford is a 6-foot-5 point guard who played in the 2026 Atlantic Sun championship game, where he scored 19 points and dished out eight assists. His downhill drive is a consistent threat, and his skill set compares to that of former St. John's guard Kadary Richmond.
