Bring on the Big East.
St. John's may not have looked ready for prime time as recently as 10 days ago, but it certainly does now. The Red Storm knocked Northwestern from the ranks of the unbeaten Tuesday night with an 85-69 victory in the Holiday Festival championship game before 5,583 at the Garden.
The Johnnies (7-3) are Festival champions for the 15th time and first since 2005. Add the crown to the Great Alaska Shootout title the Johnnies won in November and it's the first time in 20 years they've won two regular-season tournaments.
St. John's next moves into conference play starting Dec. 29 at West Virginia. Where that might have looked like a tough proposition to stomach after upset losses to Fordham and St. Bonaventure, the Storm looked Tuesday night like it can compete with anyone. Northwestern (8-1) had been one of nine undefeated teams and is expected to contend in the Big Ten.
Read more:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/2010/12/21/2010-12-21_st_johns_defeats_northwestern_8569_to_win_holiday_festival_championship_at_madis.html#ixzz18oiM76yR