Bracketology Winners: Iowa State, Alabama snag resume-defining wins

Bracketology Winners: Iowa State, Alabama snag resume-defining victories

AMES, IA - JANUARY 5: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates with George Conditt IV #4 of the Iowa State Cyclones after sinking a 3 point shot in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 5, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 01: Head coach Mullin of the St. John’s Red Storm reacts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

St. John’s Red Storm

St. John’s received very little love in the first two months of the season because of their weak strength of schedule. In fact, the team did not play a single team ranked in the KenPom top-50 prior to the start of conference play on Dec. 29. And while the team did lose their Big East opener on the road to Seton Hall (in tremendously controversial fashion), they have responded very well in their following two contests, which both occurred during this past week.

First, the Red Storm took down nationally-ranked Marquette in convincing fashion to remain undefeated at their home court this season in nine tries. This easily marked the best win on SJU’s resume and that performance showed how difficult the team will be to beat at Carnesecca Arena. Head coach Chris Mullin’s team then followed up that victory with a big-time road win over Georgetown. The Johnnies might have needed overtime to pull it out but road victories will be difficult to come by in conference play.

This week showed that St. John’s is going to be one of the “teams to beat” in the Big East this season. With Shamorie Ponds and Mustapha Heron leading the way, the Red Storm have the star power to compete with anyone in the country. The offensive and defensive schemes are improved compared to prior seasons and that has also made a big difference for this team.

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