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Explorers Edge Nova

The LaSalle Explorers edged Villanova in overtime at Tom Gola Arena today by a score of 77-74. The win snapped a 10 game win streak by the Cats over LaSalle and dropped 'Nova to 3-3 on the season and 0-1 in Big Five play.
Villanova was able to get some offense going on the interior but not much of anything in the way of transition scoring opportunities. The Explorers took good care of the ball against minimal Wildcat ball pressure and Galloway and Duren were able to both post 20+ points for LaSalle. Yarou and Pinkston wee able to tally 39 points and 14 rebounds but the Villanova guards struggled to create enough offense to off-set the Explorers guard attack.
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Goods:
Energy level
Rebounding
More passing, cutting and balance on offense
Inside scoring
Not so goods:
LaSalle guards out-played the Villanova guards
Perimeter defense continues to be a struggle
Turnovers continue to kill this team
Only 69.2% from the FT line - missed some key ones
Player Evals & Stats
Starters:
Ryan Arcidiacono
41 Min, 1-7 FG, 1-4 3P, 3-5 FT, 4 Rebs, 7 Asst, 6 TO, 1 Stl, 6 Pts
Arcidiacono continues to struggle shooting the three-ball and preventing dribble-penetration. He needs to improve his contribution level on the defensive end of the floor. Made some very nice plays and passes to create for his teammates but also gave a bunch back to LaSalle in the form of turnovers. This was the first game he missed more than one FT in a game - turns out that one miss could have potentially sealed the win for 'Nova. The first 6 games have been a trial-by-fire for Arcidiacono.
Darrun Hilliard
34 Min, 2-6 FG, 0-0 3P, 3-4 FT, 2 Reb, 0 Asst, 3 TO, 1 Stl, 7 Pts
Plays some of the best defense of any guard on the team. Not a good ball-handling/creating game for Hilliard.
Jayvaughn Pinkston
27 Min, 6-10 FG, 1-1 3P, 6-8 FT, 7 Rebs, 4 Asst, 1TO, 1 Stl, 19 Pts
Pinkston came off the bench motivated to make a difference. He was all over the offensive glass and more aggressive about getting his shot off in a positive fashion in the lane instead of coming to a dead stop and then searching for an option. He started out the OT with an old-fashioned three-point play but then didn't see the rock much the remainder of the game … until there were 6 seconds left and the Cats were down 3 and he inexplicably decided to take the ball to the basket.
James Bell
34 Min, 3-5 FG, 2-4 3P, 0-2 FT, 2 Rebs, 1 Asst, 2 TOs, 8 Pts
Hit a pair of three-balls in the second half when the Cats appeared to be starting to get a little separation between them and the Explorers. However, he couldn't find much in the way of offense down the stretch. Missed a pair of important free-throws. Stronger floor game in some respects than is his norm.
Mouphtaou Yarou
34 Min, 9-15 FG, 2-3 FT, 7 Rebs, 3 Asst, 1 TO, 2 Blk, 20 Pts
The big fella had his first strong offensive game of the season. Yarou did it with a combination of mid-range jumpers and aggressive moves to the basket. In addition, he provided some solid board work. Coach Wright tried to get him an a look for the game-winner but it didn't quite go down for him.
Bench:
Tony Chennault
23 Min, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3PFG, 4-4 FTs, 2 Rebs,1 Stl, 0 Asst., 3 TOs, 1 Stl, 6 Pts
Rough game for Chennault as he was generally out-played by the LaSalle guards - including former teammate, Ty Duren. His defense in the overtime was suspect.
Maurice Sutton
24 Min, 2-5 FG, 0-0 FT, 8 Rebs, 2 Asst., 1 TO, 2 Blks, 1 Stl, 4 Pts
Got the start at the 5 spot while Pinkston came off the bench. Played well on defense and did a good job on the boards.
Daniel Ochefu
4 Min, 1-1 FG, 0-0 FTs, 1 Reb, 0 Asst, 0 TO, 0 Stl, 2 Pts
Made a strong finish for a dunk and chipped in on the glass in his short, first-half of action.
Achraf Yacoubou
4 Min, 1-3 FG, 0-1 3PFG, 3 Rebs, 1 Asst, 0 Stl, 0 TO, 2 Pts
Did a nice job on the boards and brought positive energy in a decent first-half run. Certainly isn't shy about shooting the ball when he has the opportunity..
Mislav Brzoja
DNP - Coaches Decision
If there is a silver lining it is that the Villanova offense was more effective and balanced and the team played with more purpose and energy than in the loss to Columbia. Villanova falls to 3-3 for the season and next tips off at Vanderbilt on ESPN 2 on Saturday at 5PM.
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