Villanova started the 2026-27 NCAA basketball season with a 74-72 loss to Notre Dame. Coming in as 7.5 point favorites, that high-level result is enough to indicate that a number of things went poorly. But what good can we take from that performance? In short: there's some from every player. Before moving onto Friday, let's take a look at how each individual player performed on Saturday.
Without Matt Hodge (ACL surgery recovery), Kevin Willard went with a tight eight-man rotation in Rome against the Fighting Irish. The starting lineup that he rolled with was the same one that was deployed in the second exhibition game against George Mason: Darryl Simmons II, Jake Fiegen, Tyler Perkins, Devin Royal and Luigi Suigo. Elijah Crawford, Adam Oumiddoch and Kwame Evans Jr. (first appearance) came off of the bench.
The decision to start Darryl Simmons II was an interesting one, as Notre Dame also starts a shorter point guard in Braeden Smith (who is listed at six feet tall). I wouldn't say that decision went well. Simmons II had a quick three to start, but missed four of his final five shots, finishing the game with five points on 2/7 from the floor (and 1/6 from three). His other basket came on the final shot of the game, with Notre Dame allowing a free lay-in. As he did in the exhibition games, Simmons II provides ball pressure and is a pest defensively, but his size leaves him susceptible to mismatches on switches. Like the majority of the team, Simmons II turned it over a couple of times. It wasn't his best showing, which is why he only played 14 minutes. When the shot isn't falling, Willard is likely to limit him like he did in this one.
The other lineup decision that stood out was with Jake Fiegen, and the results there were much better. Fiegen played a consistent game throughout, scoring 11 points on 4/8 shooting (and 3/7 from three). We all knew that Fiegen was a sniper, but what many didn't know is the other parts of the game he can contribute to. Willard talked up his toughness all summer long, and that was evident with his five rebounds (two offensive). Fiegen had a stretch about halfway through the second half where he hit a three, and on the next possession got an offensive rebound and putback, pushing the lead back out to nine. As we know, that was short-lived, but he can do more than just shoot the ball. He even had a chase-down block on a layup attempt (somewhere I can hear Mike Breen yelling "blocked by Fiegen!"). Fiegen also went the entire game without a turnover, which can't be said by anyone else on the team that played. He's going to be a fan-favorite this year.
After the game, Tyler Perkins said, "I wasn't myself today." When you look at his stat line of 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists on 6/12 shooting (and 5/11 from three), that quote doesn't make much sense. But he's right, as Perkins is usually as collected as they come. That efficiency is as good as anyone could realistically ask for, but Perkins took multiple ill-advised shots throughout the afternoon. He fouled out of the game, which is something he only did once a year ago. Especially with the team trying to mount a late comeback, he can't afford to be the one to take a foul late in that situation. Perkins was also 1/3 from the free-throw line. In a close contest, even just one more make changes the complexion of the game. It's harsh criticism for the senior leader, but as a Big-East First Team selection, the expectations are higher both internally and externally.
Devin Royal was the team's leading scorer throughout the three exhibition games, scoring over 20 points in each. For some reason, that didn't translate to this one whatsoever. Royal was constantly not involved in the action, instead letting basically every other player initiate offense. Whenever he did get the ball in isolation or in the mid-post, it typically led to a turnover (he had three on the day with no assists). He did shoot six free throws (making five), but to only have one shot attempt is inexcusable. Even with some early foul trouble in the second half, he just has to have more usage. To his credit, he did hit the glass with eight rebounds on the day. But this needs to be his worst offensive output on the year. Willard has to do more to get him in the flow if it isn't happening naturally.
Playing in front of family and friends in your first college game can be a lot for any player, but the situation Luigi Suigo had in Rome was a first of its kind. The 7'3" big man comes with enormous expectations, and I think this one should reiterate that patience is needed here. He showed flashes, of course, with his ability to both defend the rim and hit the three. His sheer size is a deterrent on the interior. Notre Dame missed a number of shots they likely would have made if someone his height wasn't standing there. But he needs to get in better shape, for one. The better condition he's in, the less times he will be caught out of position defensively, leading to fouls. When Suigo picked up his second foul in the first half, it put Villanova at a disadvantage given that Evans Jr. was on a minutes restriction. Suigo was forced to come back in the game late in the half, but he clearly could not contest any shots. Suigo's footspeed (or lack thereof) will never be his strength. Unlike many other players his height, Suigo has a stout lower body. But that said, improving his conditioning will help in that department as well. Villanova has to aggressively fight over every screen whenever Suigo is involved in a pick-and-roll, as he is in drop coverage each time. Perhaps with improved stamina, he will be able to hedge or trap on occasion. This would at least keep the opposing team on its toes. Suigo also needs to not overdribble (or dribble at all if he can help it), as he was picked by a shorter guard on multiple occasions. Bringing the ball down gives away your height advantage and is a critical error as a big man. This will come in time as he gets more familiar and comfortable in his new surroundings.
Adam Oumiddoch had arguably the best stretch of the game for any Wildcat in the first half. At one point down 16-13, the freshman scored seven points in quick succession to help flip the game to 22-16 Villanova. He also showed his inexperience with two turnovers and an ill-advised foul, which led to him not playing the rest of the game. Oumiddoch's shot creation and making will play for Villanova this year, but his defense and ball security take precedence. He will have the opportunity to play more if he can reign in those mistakes.
Kwame Evans Jr. clearly looked like a guy who had not played in a game yet. Of all of the guys to give grace to, he should be at the top of the list. Evans Jr. showed his ability to score and defend in this game. His mid-range make against Logan Duncomb showed how he can take advantage of bigger, slower defenders. And on the defensive end, his shot-blocking in tandem with Suigo is going to make things extremely difficult on opposing teams around the rim. But due to his minutes restriction, Suigo's foul trouble and no Nico Onyekwere due to visa issues, we didn't get to see much of them playing together. The five turnovers were mostly a product of unfamiliarity with his teammates and his place in the flow of the offense. Evans Jr. also slipped and fell on perspiration in the first half, which left all of Villanova's fanbase holding their breath. Luckily, Evans Jr. came back into the game shortly after. The next few "buy" games will be important for everyone to settle in, but Evans Jr. looks to be the biggest beneficiary of these opportunities. He's going to be a two-way impact player for this team.
The final rotation player is arguably the most interesting one with Elijah Crawford. The Illinois-Chicago transfer was projected to be the starting point guard for this team, and I would expect that to be the case in short order. His outing against Notre Dame was a tale of two halves. In the first, he looked rushed and unsettled, giving the ball away carelessly and not looking for his shot. That was at least until late in the half, where Crawford started showing more aggression in the pick-and-roll leading to two baskets (with one being right before the buzzer). He had another nice move that he just didn't finish on. That momentum spilled into the second half, where Crawford had eight of his 12 points, three of his five assists and two of his three rebounds. He also only turned the ball over once in the second half. Late in the game, Crawford initiating offense was really the only thing Villanova had working. His game-tying attempt rimmed around and out, which ultimately sealed the Wildcats' fate. It was not all good in the second half though, as Crawford's foul on a Braeden Smith three allowed Notre Dame to cut the lead in half, which was followed by a turnover and layup on the next possession. In the final 4:36, Crawford accounted for eight points while surrendering five. Villanova will take 12 points, five assists and three steals from Crawford every day of the week, coupled with 4/7 shooting and 4/4 from the stripe. But he needs to cut down on the mistakes, and asking him to do less in the critical moments of the game would be ideal for the future success of the team.
Overall, there were some positives to take from every player in this loss. But outside of Fiegen, the bad outweighed the good by a noticeable amount. The talent is there. Hopefully, the team will be getting healthier and whole sooner than later. But Willard has had no shortage of learning opportunities for his team over the past three days. These next three games against Holy Cross, La Salle and Rider need to be attacked with purpose prior to playing another ACC school at Pittsburgh. The Panthers are projected as a tougher opponent than Notre Dame and routed Rider 95-57 on Monday night.
