Three takeaways from St. John’s men’s basketball’s stunning defeat to Providence

Fans shared their opinions before, during, and after the unexpected loss to the Providence Friars. Before the game, Johnnies fans around the Garden displayed optimism, but after the game, total shock, expressed in one often-stated conclusion: “It’s depressing.”

First Half

The Johnnies jumped out to a 13-0 lead after 3:45 of play. Zuby Ejiofor led the way with two three-pointers as the Friars left him unguarded from three-point land, and he took advantage.

Advertisement

On defense, Ejiofor continued to guard Friars all over, including well away from the rim, and Bryce Hopkins was quick to cover up, dropping back towards the Johnnies’ defensive rim to grab rebounds. Ian Jackson scored four points, and Hopkins ended the run with his own three-pointer to increase the Johnnies’ advantage to thirteen. The Johnnies seemed to be “cruising” both offensively and defensively.

Ruben Prey, Dylan Darling, and Dillon Mitchell entered the game, and the Johnnies maintained their double-digit lead due, in particular, to the excellent play of Prey. He hit a driving layup courtesy of a goaltending call against the Friars, then blocked two Providence shots within 30 seconds, resulting in a shot clock turnover.

Despite Prey’s efforts, the Friars were nibbling away at the Red Storm’s lead. Even with Ejiofor and other starters returning, the Johnnies were losing their playmaking ability. Shots by anyone not named Ejiofor were rushed as the team was running weaves 20 feet from the basket, seemingly waiting for an opening to feed Ejiofor under the basket. Sometimes these efforts were successful, but when they weren’t, there didn’t seem to be an offensive contingency plan. With 4:44 to play, the earlier 13-point advantage was gone as Jamier Jones hit a layup, and the Friars led 25 to 24.

Advertisement

One fan commented that it was a low-scoring game, and a second added that the Johnnies were doing the job defensively and outrebounding the Friars. However, the Friars’ defense had…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/three-takeaways-st-john-men-055751618.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-01-06 05:57:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.