RJ Luis Jr. totaled 21 factors, 11 rebounds and 7 assists as No. 22 St John’s withstood a number of comeback makes an attempt and pulled away for an 85-71 victory over visiting New Mexico on Sunday afternoon at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York.
After profitable their first three video games over Fordham, Quinnipiac and Wagner by a mixed 76 factors, the Purple Storm started a difficult week that may see them face No. 12 Baylor within the Bahamas on Thursday.
St. John’s (4-0) led New Mexico (3-1) for the ultimate 33-plus minutes and positioned 5 gamers in double figures to offer Rick Pitino his third win in 4 profession video games teaching in opposition to his son Richard Pitino, the Lobos’ coach and previously at Florida Worldwide and Minnesota.
Luis Jr. posted his second double-double this season and made 8 of 18 photographs, together with two of his seven layups within the remaining 4 minutes after St. John’s survived New Mexico’s remaining rally.
Deivon Smith added 12 of his 15 factors within the first half when the Purple Storm led by as many as 16. Kadary Richmond compensated for committing seven of the Purple Storm’s 16 turnovers by gathering 14 factors, eight rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Richmond helped St. John’s outscore New Mexico 22-12 within the remaining eight minutes
Aaron Scott contributed 14 and 6 rebounds whereas Zuby Ejiofor recorded 13 and 10 boards as St. John’s outrebounded New Mexico 49-32 and scored 48 factors within the paint.
Nelly Joseph, who performed for the elder Pitino at Iona, and Mustapha Amzil led the Lobos with 16 factors apiece. CJ Noland added 15 and Donovan Dent was held to 12 as New Mexico shot 43.8 p.c, missed 11 of 18 free throws and was unable to get its second win over a ranked staff after beating then-No. 22 UCLA on Nov. 8.
St John’s started surging forward when it scored 11 straight factors and opened a 25-13 lead on a 3 by Luis with 7:24 left within the first half shortly after New Mexico burned a 30-second timeout. The lead expanded to 34-19 on Smith’s layup with 4:26 left after Scott blocked Dent on the earlier possession. The Purple Storm held a 40-29 lead at halftime.
Joseph’s hoop reduce the deficit to 63-59 with 8:01 left after Ejiofor was known as for touring, however St. John’s started surging forward once more and took a 72-61 lead on Scott’s basket remaining following two offensive rebounds.
–Discipline Stage Media