Villanova clips Seton Hall, 76-74

Villanova played in their first game in about a month on Tuesday night. The Wildcats took on the Seton Hall Pirates, and were able to edge by them with a 76-74 win.

‘Nova’s victory didn’t come without some controversy at the end though. A negligible foul call was made at the end that sent Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to the line. Robinson-Earl went 1-for-2 from the line to push the lead up to two. Sandro Mamukelashvili missed on a prayer attempt with less than second remaining, and in the end, Villanova pulled out the W.

Villanova and Seton Hall traded punches in the first half. The Wildcats led by only as much as four during the first 20 minutes, while the Pirates were able to have a four-point lead of their own at one point. The second half proved a bit different. The Pirates never held a lead at all and were as down as much as nine points during the period. The Wildcats were able to ground and pound the Pirates, thwarting their efforts in reclaiming the lead and claiming a win.

Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels both propped into the 20-point threshold. Gillespie led with 22 while Samuels scored 20. Samuels was excellent, going 7-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-3 from 3. He also added nine rebounds and committed just one turnover in 32 minutes. Justin Moore got into double figures as well, scoring 10 points and had seven assists and five rebounds in 36 minutes.

Meanwhile, Mamu led all scorers with 23 points. He had nine rebounds and five assists as well, having another all-around excellent showing. Jared Rhoden meanwhile dropped 19 points, while Myles Cale and Shavar Reynolds each chipped in 11.

Currently, Villanova is slated to face Providence on Saturday. Seton Hall, meanwhile, is scheduled to play Butler on Friday.