Zuby Ejiofor scored six of his 16 factors in extra time and No. 20 St. John’s erased a 16-point deficit within the second half to rally previous Xavier 79-71 on Wednesday evening.
Kadary Richmond had a season-high 19 factors for the Red Storm (17-3, 8-1 Massive East). They’ve gained six straight and 12 of 13 of their second season below Corridor of Fame coach Rick Pitino.
Returning to the AP Top 25 this week with its highest rating in a decade, St. John’s moved again into first place within the convention standings, a half-game forward of No. 10 Marquette.
RJ Luis Jr. scored all 16 of his factors after halftime, and Simeon Wilcher additionally completed with 16 for the Purple Storm. Richmond added seven rebounds, 5 assists and three steals earlier than a boisterous crowd of 14,545 at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Ryan Conwell had 21 factors for the Musketeers (12-8, 4-5), who had gained three in a row. Dailyn Swain scored 16 earlier than being helped off the court docket with an obvious leg damage late within the second half.
St. John’s level guard Deivon Smith sat out for the second time in three video games with an ailing proper shoulder he injured throughout a Jan. 11 victory over Villanova.
Takeaways
Xavier: After a gradual begin to convention play, the Musketeers are starting to indicate why they have been picked third within the league’s preseason coaches’ ballot. The schedule will get a lot simpler down the stretch, too.
St. John’s: In search of its first Massive East regular-season title since 1992 below coach Lou Carnesecca. This system is off to its greatest begin since opening 20-2 in 1985-86, and the Purple Storm are 8-1 in Massive East play for the primary time since 1999.
Key second
Richmond’s driving layup with 1:03 left in regulation despatched the sport to extra time tied at 65, and St. John’s scored the primary eight factors of the additional interval — six by Ejiofor.
Key stat
St. John’s went 1-for-12 from 3-point vary and nonetheless improved to 13-0 at dwelling.
Up subsequent
Xavier: One other robust problem Saturday evening at dwelling in opposition to No. 19 UConn, the two-time defending nationwide champion.
St. John’s: At outdated rival Georgetown subsequent Tuesday evening. St. John’s rallied from 15 all the way down to beat the Hoyas 63-58 at MSG on Jan. 14.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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