St. John’s fell in hard fought game against Indiana

The big question entering this game was will St. John’s crumble and get crushed by another ranked team or would they show improvement?

I’m not one for moral victories but the inexperienced and undermanned St. John’s squad got one against Indiana. The team fell down early but battled back to keep within striking distance at half time. St. John’s stormed out in the second half to cut the deficit to two possessions but Indiana proved to be just too much winning by a final of 83-73.

Game Notes

Positives:

• Ron Mvouika is emotional leader of this team. Guys feed off his energy.
• Felix is bringing a spark off the bench and he’s playing with extreme confidence going to the rim.
• It’s time to proclaim that Mussini is for real. Back to back games against elite guards and he held his own.
• Chris Mullin is a leader.
• Yankuba Sima battle with Thomas Bryant on the low block made you think this game was in the 80’s.
• Team only had 11 turnovers.
• Mussini’s change of speed/direction is fun to watch.
• When Mussini did his 3 point holster celebration.
• Use of Holifield off the bench. Great spot minutes to give Mussini a breather.
• Durand Johnson still isn’t impacting game as expected but wasn’t a negative player today.
• Christian Jones playing harder on both ends of the floor. He will continue to get better with reps.
• Winning the 2nd half 42-41.

Negatives:

• Team started out slow and let Indiana establish in the paint.
• Missing every 3 point attempt in the first half.
• Ron Mvouika fouling twice on 3 point shot attempts. Ugh!
• Amar Alibegovic having 4 fouls in 15 min. He averages a foul once every 4 min on the season.
• Team not fronting the post early in the game allowing easy catches in comfortable positions.
• Ellison and Williams being out with injury.
• Tom Crean’s facial expressions and fake tan.
• Mvouika’s turnover in last 2 min.
• Not being able to bike ride in Hawaii.

Overall

The team had it’s ups and downs during the course of the game but they battled to the very end. That’s telling of the culture that Mullin has created and continues to cultivate. You have to feel good for the future when Mullin’s short handed team can run with No. 13 team in the country.