'Cheers' & '/Facepalms': Welcome Back James Bell!

It's currently 85 degrees and sunny where I am (Melbourne, Australia) and not-so-warm where most of you are (New York & Philadelphia). Australia is the reason I've been absent most of the week (and no, I didn't have to point out the weather difference, but I needed to brag to someone) and for that I apologize. I should be back to more regular writing next week as my insane travel schedule settles down a bit for a few weeks.

I got a nice break today from my meetings and was able to follow the game via GameCast and, how do I say this without over-reacting, #OHMYGODVILLANOVAWONAFREAKINGGAME!!!!!

Repeat after me - I will not get over-excited about one win against a clearly over-rated Seton Hall team. I will not get over-excited about one win against a clearly over-rated Seton Hall team. I will not get over-excited about one win against a clearly over-rated Seton Hall team.

Cheers & /Facepalms are after The Jump. (Our first one in ages!)

Cheers to...

James Bell - Contrary to popular belief (or you know, your eyes), James Bell is still a member of the Villanova Wildcats basketball team and not one of those holographic images that the Jedi's use in Star Wars. Tahj couldn't have a picked a better time to decide he wanted to suit up again, dropping 18 points and 6 rebounds and providing some much needed 3-point shooting to help stretch the defense and make way for...

JayVaughn Pinkston - It appears we have a star in the making. As LauderdaleLengend put it:

Pinkston played out of his skull. In second half, seemed like he was vying for every defensive and offensive board.

That's the kind of attitude and leadership we need on the court. What a player he is turning out to be. 23 points and 11 boards (6 offensive), including a nice 13-17 day at the FT line. He is literally unstoppable going to the rim. I love his game.

Maalik Wayns - Coming off a career-best 39 points against Cincy I was actually scared we could be looking at something like a 4-24 effort from Leek as he did his best Gilbert Arenas impression. Quite the opposite in fact, as his 25 points led all scorers and his 15-16 effort at the line closed the game out. He also dropped 7 dimes compared to just 2 turnovers. Very, very nice.

C/Facepalms to...

Dominic Cheek - A great first half which prompted me to email a couple friends and ask if the ESPN box score was correct. Then he disappeared in the 2nd. It's so dead-on and typical that you can assume it most nights.

/Facepalms to...

Mouphtaou Yarou - Thanks for showing up against one of the most talented big men in the conference Mouph. 28 minutes and you managed a 1-3 effort from the field and just 5 rebounds. Thank the good lord that JVP was going H*A*M today or else this might have turned out differently.

Twitter Comment of the Game

Our Seton Hall friend @JPGuerette, who loathes Tahj Bell more than others do.

Because he hates you guys. No seriously, he does.

Game Thread Comment of the Game

Almost no action in there today until the final whistle. Was everyone just that nervous? Anyways, we're giving this one to seton hall and steelers who came on over from South Orange Juice to let us know how bad the refs were.

No wonder you guys never lose at home

those refs were completely awful. 41FTs to 16.

If you check out their postgame report you'll see a more level headed version of this where they point out that fouls were 2:1 in 'Nova's favor. You know what I say? Seton Hall took twice as many 3-point attempts (36:18) - there is a coorelation there with the foul calls.

I won't be back Stateside in time for Saturday's game in NYC (angry face) but I hope everyone attending has a great time and gets to see a 'Nova win!