The Johnnies return to Carnesecca Arena on Saturday for a match-up with the Providence Friars. This will mark the first game at Carnesecca Arena since January 12th, when St. John’s lost in devastating fashion to Depaul. This matinee contest will have a big impact in the standings and could make or break postseason chances for either team.
After defeating Rutgers at the RAC in a game that was anything but pretty, the Red Storm will try to defend their home court against the Friars and stretch their modest winning streak to three games. Wednesday’s victory was more of a result of terrible shooting by the Scarlet Knights than anything else. Norm’s teams know how to play the ugly game with the best of them and it was on display in Piscataway. St. John’s held Rutgers to only 14 first half points, just as Georgetown did to the Johnnies a week earlier. Once again we saw Mason Jr. in street clothes (I must say the jacket he had on over the sweater vest was a nice touch), as it seems he just can’t find a way to stay healthy this season. Surprisingly, our senior captain had his best game against Big East competition, as he led the way with 17 points. For all the criticism he gets and for all the people who want to see more of Malik (myself included), if St. John’s wants to play basketball after March 8th they need Geno to step it up. After watching the game, I don’t understand how Rutgers ever beat Pittsburgh, as their shooting is just atrocious. St. John’s, with or without Mase, had to get that win and they did.
Even though most of the St. John’s faithful have deemed this a lost season, things could get very interesting if the Redmen come away with a W on Saturday afternoon. With a conference record of 4-7, the 11th place Friars are only 1 game ahead of St. John’s in the Big East standings. With upcoming games against Cincinnati (10th) and Villanova (13th), the Johnnies have a chance to leapfrog some teams in the standings and could realistically put themselves back in the Big East Tournament race. All three upcoming games are very winnable and the recent two game winning streak has given the young players some confidence back. Even Norm has seemed to benefit from the last two games, as he looks to have a nice rotation down and his substitution patterns have been better.
Now it’s time to bring anyone who bought into the hype back down to earth. St. John’s has won two games in a row over South Florida and Rutgers. All this did was prove the Storm are not the worst team in the conference, regardless of what some critics may say. Beating up on the bottom feeders is not something to go home and write about. These wins are already chalked up by the elite teams in the conference without even playing the games. If nothing else, this two game winning streak will keep St. John’s out of the basement this season, which will probably be enough to keep the ‘powers that be’ happy with the program.
The Friars come in struggling and a little banged up, but a win over them is better than our last two wins combined. Plus, a victory could breathe a little life back into this season and make the remaining games meaningful for the players and fans. Hell, I’m jumping on the St. John’s bandwagon, whoever wants on it, come along for the ride. It starts at Noon on Saturday in the House that Louie Built. SEE YOU IN THE JUNGLE.
On Saturday February 9th, the Red Storm of St. John’s University will host the Friars of Providence College. The game is scheduled for 12:00 PM at Carnesecca Arena and can be seen live on FSNY and heard on WFAN 660-AM.
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