The Johnnies took another dance step toward the tournament.
St. John’s was able to knock off three more Big East opponents, including a win over the ninth-ranked UConn Huskies vaulting them into fifth place in the conference, just a half game back of fourth place Louisville. The other two wins this week, over Cincinnati and Marquette, were just as impressive with both coming on the road against tournament contenders.
Three wins over a six day period have recaptured the momentum the Johnnies gained during the their five game winning streak earlier in the year following a tough six game stretch that saw them lose five games.
Pacing the Red Storm (16-9, 8-5) during this surge has been senior guard Dwight Hardy, who’s been the top scorer each of the past three games. Hardy earned the Big East player of the week nod for the second time this season. “When I’m in one of those zones, I just kind of black out. The basket gets bigger and bigger,” Hardy said after the UConn game.
For the first time since 2002, the Red Storm steamrolled UConn in regular season play with a commanding 89-72 victory. From the on-set, the Huskies (19-5, 7-5) looked uncomfortable and unable to create any momentum on their own glass or in transition.
The 13,652 at the Garden erupted into bedlam after Hardy drained an off-balance three, making the score 60-42 and dashing any real hope for any UConn comeback.
This being the Big East the Johnnies did not have much time to celebrate this victory; they had a rematch with Cincinnati (19-6, 6-6), to whom they lost a heartbreaker in January.
In these teams first match up at Carnesecca Arena, Cincinnati had the ball down one with just under thirty seconds to go; a scenario that repeated itself on Sunday in Cincinnati. Given this second chance the Johnnies were able to force a Bearcats miss and hold on for a 59-57 victory despite not making a field goal over the last 8:58.
A trip to Milwaukee and a meeting with Marquette (15-11, 6-7) was up next on the Johnnies slate. After Marquette opened the second half of the tied game on a seven to nothing run, the Johnnies were able to reel off a 24-7 spurt giving them a lead they would not relinquish in handing the Golden Eagles their first double digit loss of the season, 80-68.
The Johnnies now have four wins over ranked opponents and are staring at a possible bye in the Big East tournament if they finish in the top half of the conference. More importantly, they are solidifying their NCAA tournament resume, a place they have not been since 2002.
St. John’s has the number one strength of schedule and are ranked 15th in the RPI. A win Saturday over Pittsburgh will almost certainly launch them into the top 25, a place they may land even with a loss.
