St. John’s looks to avoid a 0-2 start in the Big East with a game against Marquette. Can the Red Storm get a win over possibly the best team in the conference?
TV schedule: Tuesday, January 1, 7:00 pm ET. FS1
Arena: Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York
After going unbeaten in the non-conference against an overall weak slate, St. John’s 12-1 (0-1) opened up Big East action against Seton Hall. After leading throughout a good portion of the game, the Red Storm surrendered a late run by the Pirates. A controversial whistle by the referees followed by a game-winning three-pointer gave St. John’s their first loss of the season, 76-74.
Mustapha Heron led all scorers in the game with 19 points, with Justin Simon and Marvin Clark II each chipping in with 16. Shamorie Ponds had just eight points, well shy of his 19 ppg average, although he did contribute with seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals.
St. John’s looks to avoid going 0-2 in the Big East against Marquette (11-2), who are playing in their conference opener. After starting the season out 3-2, the Golden Eagles have won their last eight games, including wins over top-15 teams Kansas State, Buffalo, and Wisconsin.
Markus Howard has put himself in the National Player of the Year conversation this season, averaging 25.1 ppg and 4.2 apg. Junior forward Joey Hauser is the team’s other double-digit scorer at 14.6 ppg, while younger brother Joey has also played well in the frontcourt, averaging 9.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg. Marquette’s offense has been good as expected but the defense has undergone a positive change, ranking in the top-40 in efficiency.
These two teams split their season series a year ago, with each winning on their home court. Ponds went off in St. John’s victory, scoring 44 points while outdueling Howard (who didn’t play in Marquette’s win) on the other end.
Based on the resumes, No. 16 ranked Marquette can afford this loss much more than St. John’s whose best win to date is VCU. The Golden Eagles are currently the best team in the Big East, providing no greater a chance for the Red Storm to get a marquee win.
A huge part of this game will be the battle between Ponds and Howard, but how well the Golden Eagles defend the opposing role players will be how this one is decided. If Heron, Simon, and others have a big outing, the Red Storm can pull out the victory. And with how desperate they are for the win, I think they’ll pull this one out in a shootout.
Prediction: Marquette 86 – St. John’s 92
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