What a crazy night at Carnesecca Arena. St. John’s was playing Rutgers, Chris Mullin was coaching while Steve Lavin was in the stands on TV, and Felix Balamou nearly had a triple double.

It really happened. It was amazing.

Chris Mullin’s squad played some inspiring basketball the final 12 minutes, and the team remains undefeated.

Game Notes

Positives:

• Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond’s sneaker game. Both sporting the new UA Club Leather.
• Getting Felix Balamou back.
• Balamou being 1st player off the bench and made a jumper immediately.
• Mussini and Mvouika going off from 3 in the first half.
• Sima being consistent in all facets of the game.
• Keeping it close heading into the locker room.
• Amar Alibegovic contributing again in limited minutes. His three ignited the comeback.
• Durand Johnson struggled but his corner 3 was clutch.
• The energy Mvouika provided was not only contagious to his teammates but also the crowd.
• Mvouika’s offensive rebound was gutsy. Him keeping the dribble alive falling to the ground was savvy.
• Balamou established great position on the block. He got in deep which enabled him to get good looks at the rim and enough space to kick to open shooters. Perfect execution.
• Mullin showing good feel for the game and not being afraid to sit Durand Johnson.
• Christian Jones had a tough time finding his rhythm but he answered the bell at crucial times. The play where Jones identified he had a smaller defender and bullied him to the rim was a thing of beauty.
• Mussini getting fired up after he drained the three to cut it to two .
• The guys on the bench were into the game standing and clapping every possession. No malcontent body language.
• Mvouika going 2-2 from the line to give St. John’s the 1 point lead.
• Sima standing tall in the paint blocking and altering shots all day.
• Rutgers not being able to make a free throw.
• Only 3 turnovers in the 2nd half.
• Out rebounding Rutgers by +11.
• Grabbing 19 offensive rebounds. Five players with 2 or more.
• The crowd being loud and getting on their feet multiple times. The place was rocking and it was awesome.
• The refs swallowing their whistle at the end of the game.
• Mussini’s ball pressure on final possession slowed up Sanders by just a second which was all that was needed.
• Closed the game on a 10-3 run. Third straight game Mullin’s team closed!
• Big East win over Big 10.
• These kids don’t know they’re not supposed to be good.

Negatives:

• Getting to Queens during rush hour for a 7:00 tip is damn near impossible. Missed the 1st half but luckily watched FoxSportsGo app.
• Turnovers in the 1st half helped Rutgers jump out to a lead.
• Missing free throws (13-24)
• You can live with cold shooting nights but Durand Johnson’s 5 turnovers in 23 min is a killer.
• No Malik Ellison. Need him!
• Darien Williams getting hurt in 4 min of action. Need him!
• Mussini’s 0-2 trip at the line.
• The air conditioning at Carnesecca Arena never being put into the renovation plan.
• Shooting 32% from the floor.
• Not enough bobbleheads.

Overall

The team showed a lot of heart playing without a few of their teammates and never giving up in the 2nd half. Mullin continues to show competence on the sidelines with his rotation, half court sets, defensive adjustments, and poise. Couldn’t have asked for better results on court to start the season.