St. John’s Red Storm Stages Impressive Comeback Against Seton Hall
New York— In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, the St. John’s Red Storm pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat rival Seton Hall 65-60. Despite facing a daunting 15-point deficit, a spirited second-half performance saw the Red Storm extend their winning streak to five games.
Dramatic Turnaround in the Second Half
The night began with St. John’s struggling significantly. Without key players Kadary Richmond and RJ Luis, the Red Storm’s offense sputtered. However, it was Dillon Mitchell and Dylan Darling who took center stage.
- Key Players:
- Dillon Mitchell: 17 points, 11 rebounds
- Bryce Hopkins: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
- Dylan Darling: 8 points, 3 steals
Mitchell gave St. John’s the lead for good with 4:53 left in the game, as he played a pivotal role in the comeback. Darling’s late steal and subsequent basket solidified the Red Storm’s advantage, pushing the lead to five points with just 1:10 remaining.
Strong Defensive Play
St. John’s found success through defensive pressure that forced 13 turnovers from Seton Hall. Remarkably, the Red Storm held their rivals to a mere 28% shooting performance in the second half, demonstrating their defensive prowess.
- Turnovers: 13 by Seton Hall
- Shooting Percentage: Seton Hall shot 28% in the second half.
Key Moments to Remember
- Early Struggles: The Red Storm started poorly, failing to score for the first several minutes of the second half.
- Free Throws: Zuby Ejiofor contributed crucial free throws in the final moments of the game, cementing the victory.
Seton Hall had led by six points at halftime and appeared to be the more desperate team in the first half, displaying intensity and urgency. However, their inability to maintain that momentum proved costly.
Looking Ahead
This comeback victory is significant for St. John’s (14-5, 7-1), as they remain firmly in second place in the Big East standings. As the season progresses, the Red Storm will be looking to build on this momentum.
Conclusion
The thrilling comeback against Seton Hall serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the St. John’s Red Storm. With strong performances from emerging players like Mitchell and Darling, the team appears poised for further successes this season.
For more about the Big East basketball landscape and updates on St. John’s, check out ESPN and NCAA.
