VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — JayVaughn Pinkston had 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Maalik Wayns scored 25 points to lead Villanova to an 84-76 win over Seton Hall on Wednesday night.
James Bell scored 18 to help the Wildcats (9-10, 2-5 Big East) win for just the second time in seven games. Under coach Jay Wright, the Wildcats had been a perennial Big East contender. This season has been a struggle since late November and the Wildcats would have to get hot in a hurry to reach the NCAA tournament.
Pinkston and Bell gave them hope it might not be too late. Bell did his damage from long range and Pinkston worked inside and got to the free-throw line to hold off the Pirates (15-4, 4-3).
Bell’s fourth 3-pointer late in the second half sealed the win.
Fuquan Edwin led Seton Hall with 14 points. The Pirates lost their second straight.
