:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62398637/Nova_Mug.0.jpeg)
Happy Monday Nova Nation! What a difference a week makes. This time a week ago the program was in free-fall and no one knew exactly where the bottom was. Now it feels like we jumped into a 3-foot well and the water’s only ankle deep. Do we want to be in the well? No, but it’s not going to be that hard to climb out. In fact, we’ve already got one foot over the side.
By winning the AdvoCare Invitational, the Wildcats accomplished a lot. First, they extended their streak to six consecutive early season tournament victories. Second, they earned their first victory over a ranked team, one which should age well as Florida State is a quality team that’s still waiting for the return of their best player. And third, they showed a lot of improvement, especially defensively.
Sure there are still some questions to be answered, but at least the season is moving back in the right direction. Nova may not be headed back to the Final Four, but they could still make a pretty deep run in March. If you don’t believe me, take the “experts” word for it:
Let’s not bury Villanova just yet. The defending national champs just beat a ranked Florida State team to win the tourney down in Orlando. Collin Gillispie finished with 17 points. ‘Nova still the favorite to win the Big East.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 25, 2018
The most impressive thing about Villanova the past few days? Cats beat Oklahoma State by making 16 3's and beat Florida State with great defense. Finding different ways to win.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 25, 2018
In other “news”, Nova wins another championship, Darryl Reynolds sits down with Eric Paschall, and I’m still mad at the 76ers for trading Mikal Bridges. Enjoy!
Florida State Win
No. 14 FSU hoops drops first game of the season, to Villanova | Tomahawk Nation
Neither the desired result nor a terrible loss.
Villanova wins AdvoCare, beating No. 14 Florida State | NBC Sports
Villanova was left for dead before this tournament.
Villanova beats No. 14 Florida State 66-60 to win AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando | The Inquirer
The game was Villanova's first against a ranked opponent since the Wildcats fell out of the AP poll. Sophomore guard Collin Gillespie led the Wildcats with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting.
AdvoCare Invitational Championship a reunion for FSU's David Nichols | USA Today
The former teammates and roommates will face off for the AdvoCare Invitational title Sunday afternoon.
OK State Win
Eric Paschall and Phil Booth lead Villanova past Oklahoma State, into AdvoCare final | The Inquirer
The Wildcats never trailed in a 77-58 triumph over Oklahoma State.
Villanova beats Oklahoma State behind 3-point barrage, advances to AdvoCare Invitational title game | NBC Sports Philadelphia
Eric Paschall and Villanova drained 16 threes to beat Oklahoma State, 77-58, on Friday and advance to the AdvoCare Invitational title game.
NBA Wildcats
Sixers trade gave Mikal Bridges a better opportunity with Suns | pilotonline.com
On Monday night, Mikal Bridges was announced as a starter at the Wells Fargo Center.
Local ties and familiarity lead Isaiah Armwood back home to Go-Go | NBC Sports Washington
Armwood played two seasons at George Washington, leading the Colonials to the NCAA Tournament in 2014.
Villanova Video
VIDEO: Stay Tuned with D.Rey featuring Eric Paschall | YouTube
Eric Paschall sits down with Darryl Reynolds to discuss 2016 vs 2018, favorite classes, and clicking with teammates.
VIDEO: Post-Game Interview with Jay Wright | YouTube
Jay Wright speaks with Nova Nation All-Access on the tournament, the sophomores stepping up, and team growth.
Feast Week Wrap-up
5 things we learned from college basketball's Thanksgiving tournaments | NCAA.com
Here are some important things we learned from college basketball's Thanksgiving tournaments.
Gonzaga, Kansas headline Feast Week winners, losers | SI.com
Who made their mark during a stacked week of Thanksgiving tournaments? Some teams rose to the occasion, while others headed home with more questions than answers.