Pope Leo's alum Villanova takes on Notre Dame in men's and women's basketball in Rome

NPR | By Gabriel J. Sánchez,

Justine Kenin

Published October 30, 2026 at 5:24 PM EDT

The Pope's alum Villanova is taking on Notre Dame in men's and women's basketball in Rome. The international play is a first in season openers for these American Catholic schools.

Gabriel J. Sánchez

Gabriel J. Sánchez is a producer for NPR's All Things Considered.

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered.

WRVO runs on listener support.

WRVO is now well into its second year without federal funding. Through it all, our mission has stayed the same: serving central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. Listeners like you are what keep journalists on the ground, asking the hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today. You'll be supporting more than yourself. You'll be supporting everyone who depends on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now