By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo: New York Post
St. John’s closed its non-conference schedule with a 97-76 victory over Delaware (7-6) on Saturday at Carnesecca Arena.
The Johnnies improved 11-2 and 2-0 in the Big East Conference.
Six Red Storm players finish in double figures. The program hasn’t had that many players in double figures since the 2024 Big East Tournament quarterfinal victory over Seton Hall on March 14.
Deivon Smith led the team with 20 points. What impressed coach Rick Pitino was Smith picking up 13 rebounds. When the point guard has 13 boards, it’s an astonishing day for any team.
Zuby Ejiofor and RJ Luis each added 17 points for the Johnnie’s.
Delaware’s forward John Camnden led the team with 35 points in 40 minutes. He made 9 of 11 threes.
The Johnnies, who are not a great three-point shooting team, made 66 percent of their threes against Delaware. In addition, they had eight blocks compared to Delaware’s one block.
The Red Storm will close 2024 with a New Year’s Eve contest at Creighton at 4 p.m. in Chicago.
Coach Rick Pitino will make sure his players are ready for Creighton. They’re a tough team, and Pitino is not the easiest coach to please. He always feels there’s room for improvement and corrects the little mistakes the team makes.
The Johnnies have done their job but must improve their defense and free-throw shooting.
This Red Storm team will need to utilize the scouting report on Creighton. They must pick up the intensity and remain alert for 40 minutes.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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