13. St. John’s (25-6)
After the way things started this season for St. John’s it was fair to wonder just who exactly was going to be a contender in the Big East. Several teams have disappointed in this league and the Red Storm really turned it on, running off 13 straight wins before last week’s tough showing at UConn. These last two months have shown us that St. John’s can be that great team with all this talent and they stuck the landing on the regular season.
This final stretch was far from easy, but the Red Storm did just what they needed in a 72-69 home win over Georgetown. That Tuesday victory featured another great showing from Zuby Ejiofor, who had 23 points and 7 rebounds on what was a poor-shooting night for the team. Friday’s regular season finale was also close but a smoother ride, with St. John’s triumphant 72-65 at Seton Hall. Ejiofor again led the charge with 21 points.
Some tough losses, including a head scratcher at home to Providence, have been put in the distant rearview mirror for this team. Questions remain about the shooting and sometimes the defense but St. John’s has done more than enough to assert themselves as a team to watch and finishes 18-2 in the Big East. We’ll see just what kind of damage they can do in the Big East Tournament, especially if they get a third shot at UConn.