Notre Dame’s win over Villanova resets coach Shrewsberry’s narrative

Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry faced a direct challenge on Sunday. After three consecutive seasons without an NCAA tournament bid and a 13-win record last year, he entered the 2026-27 campaign on the hot seat. His team defeated Villanova in Rome, securing the first win of the season and altering the immediate perception of his program's stability.

The Irish displayed a level of cohesion that has been elusive under Shrewsberry. Four players scored in double figures, and the team converted 38% of its three-point attempts. The defining sequence occurred in the final two minutes when Notre Dame overcame a six-point deficit to take the lead and hold it. Myron Medcalf noted that the team lost multiple games in similar fashion the previous season, making this finish a critical differentiation for the coaching staff.

Shrewsberry addressed the change in mindset during ACC media day in October. He stated that he realized he had not enjoyed moments at Notre Dame that he should have, even while coaching his son Braeden Shrewsberry. He described his current attitude as different, aiming to align his on-court leadership with a more positive personal experience.

High Point University opened its season with a 72-57 victory over Liberty, signaling that its roster remains competitive despite offseason losses. Coach Flynn Clayman lost star guard Rob Martin but reloaded the bench with transfers including CJ Brown from South Florida and Curtis Williams Jr. from Tulane. The Panthers also added freshman Trey Pearson and retained Conrad Martinez. The team won 31 games last year and defeated Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA tournament before losing to Arkansas in the second round.

The win over Liberty came without Monmouth transfer Jason Rivera-Torres, a preseason All-Big South selection. Cam'Ron Fletcher, the 2026 Big South Preseason Player of the Year, contributed eight points and seven boards. Jeff Borzello assessed that the roster now possesses high-major depth and physical skills sufficient to threaten power-conference opponents in March.

Ryan Miller of the University of Tennessee retained sophomore star Roman Domon, who led a 30-point win over Tennessee State with 22 points and five rebounds. Miller’s squad also features France native Talis Soulhac and Auburn transfer Kaden Magwood. The coaching staff added Pavle Nikolic and Mark Padjen from international leagues, aiming to build chemistry as the group adjusts to NCAA play.

Queens College defeated Winthrop 103-98, with point guard Jordan Watford recording 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. The Royals maintained continuity by bringing back three double-figure scorers: Nasir Mann, Avantae Parker, and Watford. Borzello compared Watford, a 6-foot-5 guard, to former St. John’s player Kadary Richmond, noting his ability to drive to the lane. Watford had 19 points and six assists in the 2026 Atlantic Sun championship game.