The 2010-2011 season was the most memorable season for this St. John’s program in nearly a decade. Here is a recap of the Top 5 moments:
#5: St. John’s Wins Great Alaska Shootout
After St. John’s lost their opener on the road to St. Mary’s and beat Columbia at home, the Johnnies were looking to make a statement when they traveled to Anchorage for the 2010 Great Alaska Shootout. And that is just what they did. After squeaking by Ball State in the first round, winning 79-73 in overtime, the Red Storm set a tournament record for fewest points allowed in the next round, beating Drake 82-39.
The Johnnies faced a formidable Pac-10 opponent in Arizona State in the championship game and, despite 22 points by the Sun Devils’ Ty Abbott, the Johnnies prevailed, 67-58. Senior forward Justin Brownlee showed the results of his off-season workouts, showcasing polished post moves and a solid all-around game. He averaged 17.7 points per game in the three games up north and took home the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
#4: Justin Brownlee’s Putback Sinks G’Town at the Garden
To open the Big East schedule at home under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, the Johnnies took on long-time rival Georgetown. And, little did Red Storm fans know, this was just the beginning of the drama in Manhattan.
With the ball at the top of the key as the seconds wound down in the 2nd half, Dwight Hardy pulled a wicked in-and-out dribble that broke the ankles of Georgetown forward Jason Clark. He missed the layup, but Justin Brownlee was there to put it back up with 10 seconds to go, giving the Johnnies the 61-58 victory. Brownlee finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Georgetown became the first giant to fall to St. John’s at the Garden and the win thrust the Red Storm back into the national college basketball conversation, as they began the Big East season 3-0.
#3: UConn Becomes Third Top 10 Team to Lose at the Garden
Oh, how sweet it was. After beating Georgetown and Duke, it seemed the Johnnies were due to be woken up from their dream. But, that would not be so; at least not on this night. Dwight Hardy, fresh off his career-high 32 points against UCLA, dropped 33 points on the eventual national champions and the Johnnies celebrated their third victory over a Top 10 team.
Kemba Walker was held to just 15 points on 4/16 shooting and the Huskies struggled to get anything going offensively, losing 89-72.
#2: Johnnies Take Down Defending Champion Duke
Every year, St. John’s circles the date on the calender when Duke comes to town. Unfortunately for the Red Storm, the series had been dominated by the Blue Devils in the past decade. But, when the defending national champions took the court at Madison Square Garden on January 30th, 2011, something was different. The Johnnies came out of the gate with great energy, dictating the pace and getting ahead early. At the half, St. John’s led 46-25, and thoughts of the last huge Johnny win over the Dukies began to creep into fans minds:
The Red Storm came out of the half with the same intensity, holding off a few pushes by the Blue Devils and getting the victory, 93-78. Duke turned the ball over 17 times in the game, which allowed St. John’s to run the floor and work in transition, where they thrived. Five Johnnies scored in double figures, led by Dwight Hardy’s 26 and Justin Brownlee’s 20.
#1 Dwight Hardy’s Baseline Pirouette Stuns Pitt
There is little discussion as to what is the biggest moment of this past season. Among all of the great moments, there is one that sticks out boldly and brightly.
Dwight Hardy’s improbable dance along the baseline and twisting, turning layup sent #4 Pittsburgh home with a 60-59 loss and all but guaranteed the Johnnies a berth in the NCAA Tournament. It was not Hardy’s most impressive outing statistically, as he finished with 19 points on 4/10 shooting, but his composure in the clutch made an indelible mark on the history of St. John’s basketball and carved out a moment that will never be forgotten.
Check out multiple angles of the shot here.
Damn I wish I took a video of the Pitt game, I had first row seats on the baseline where hardy hit his shot