No. 12 St. John’s Passes 1st Test of Big Week with victory over No. 11 Marquette
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No. 12 St. John’s Passes 1st Test of Big Week with victory over No. 11 Marquette

New York (AP) – It’s been a long time since St. John has had so much success, and energetic fans are starting to feel it.

“We want Uconn! We want uconn! “Some were singing during the declining seconds on Tuesday night when the 12th ranked red storm polished A victory 70-64 over No. 11 Marquette In their Big East Showdown at Madison Square Garden.

It was an arousing start to a measuring stick week for the Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino’s streaky team, which maintained the sole possession of first place in the conference and improved to 1-1 against ranked opponents this season.

Next is a visit on Friday night to No. 19 Uconn, the twice defending national champion.

“It’s a nice feeling. It’s good to enjoy it. But we know we are not ready, ”said the guard Kadary Richmond.

Richmond, a Seton Hall transfer, had 18 points, 11 returns and eight assists in his latest outstanding all-round performance.

The leading painter RJ Luis Jr. added 17 points and 11 boards when Red Storm (20-3, 11-1) won for the 15th time in 16 matches. St. John’s has won nine straight Big East games in the regular season for the first time since 1984-85, when the program reached Final Four during Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca.

“We put in a lot of hard work for the season. You can see it now, Luis said. “I think we have a fantastic season. We have a lot to do yet. And the guys are hungry and we’ll follow it. “

Zuby Ejiofor had 13 points and 13 returns to help St. John’s to improve to 15-0 at home before a rushing audience of 16,521 that included New York Yankees Manager Aaron Boone, former Mets closer to John Franco and Ex-Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz.

With his highest ranking of 25 years, St. John’s is on its way to The school’s best start since 1985-86. Last time the program was 11-1 or better in Big East Play, Johnnies opened 14-0 1985 During the heyday Led by Carnesca and star player Chris Mullin.

“Seeing St. John’s coming back is so fun,” said 72-year-old Pitino, who is in his second season at St. John’s. “I have an blast that coaches these guys. I have an explosion to see the garden explode like this. I am so happy for the fans and so everyone appreciates who comes out and supports us. “

Marquette (18-5, 9-3) dropped his second straight and dropped to 3-3 since a six-match winning line. Golden Eagles won the last six meetings between the teams.

“It was a heck of a game by St. John’s,” said coach Shaka Smart. “Hats and a lot of respect for coach Pitino, the whole program and all their guys. I thought they were playing with incredible violence. They were just the more aggressive team for the majority of the game. “

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