Hannah Hidalgo shows NFL-like skills and Notre Dame beats Villanova in women's hoops opener in Rome

ROME -- A leaping steal. Another jump to save it. And much, much more from Hannah Hidalgo.The Notre Dame senior showed why she’s a preseason All-American in the opening game of the women’s college basketball season on Sunday in Rome.Hidalgo had 32 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals as the No. 13 Fighting Irish beat Villanova 99-75.Notre Dame also won the men’s game at the Eternal City Tip-Off, which included an audience with Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV for both teams and their fans on Saturday.In the first half, Hidalgo leaped up like an NFL safety to intercept a Villanova pass and then had to jump again out of bounds to save it before completing the turnover by passing to a teammate.Sophomore Leah Macy had 27 points in her Notre Dame debut after missing her freshman year because of a knee injury suffered in high school.Jasmin Bascoe led Villanova with 26 points but was 1 for 7 from 3-point range.Popular ReadsChrista Pike issues 1st statement after surviving botched execution2 days agoStaffer who tackled Oregon school shooter speaks out: 'It all happened so fast'2 days ago2 college students found dead after going missing while hiking, police sayOct 29Notre Dame hosts Stone Hill for its season opener on Friday.Villanova visits Princeton on Nov. 10.___Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college basketball coverage here