St. John’s Secures 12th Consecutive Victory Over Marquette
Dominant Performance at Fiserv Forum
Milwaukee — St. John’s Red Storm continues to make waves in the Big East with a significant victory over Marquette, clinching their 12th consecutive win with a score of 76-70 on Saturday at Fiserv Forum. This victory not only showcases the team’s resilience but also elevates them to first place in the Big East standings, following an upset of the fifth-ranked UConn by Creighton.
Bryce Hopkins Leads the Charge
Bryce Hopkins played a pivotal role in this match, contributing 23 points and 10 rebounds. His performance was particularly impactful during a crucial 17-5 run that transformed a six-point deficit into a six-point lead for the Johnnies.
- Key Stats:
- Points: 23
- Rebounds: 10
- Field Goals: Consistent shooting from all areas of the court
Hopkins’s efforts helped counteract a sluggish start to the second half when St. John’s suffered a 21-6 scoring run by the Golden Eagles. The Johnnies’ defense stepped up during this time, allowing Marquette to score just five points in an astounding eight-minute stretch.
The Bench Stepped Up
St. John’s bench provided crucial support, contributing to a 21-9 scoring advantage over Marquette. Key performances included:
- Oziyah Sellers: 12 points off the bench
- Zuby Ejiofor: 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks
- Joson Sanon and Ian Jackson: 9 and 8 points respectively
Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
Despite a rocky start that saw them outscored heavily in the second half, the Red Storm quickly regained their composure after a timely timeout.
- St. John’s shot 54.8% from the field for the game and made 6 of 14 three-point attempts in the first half.
- The initial nine-point lead they built was helped by their ability to shoot well from beyond the arc, despite recent struggles.
Marquette Counterattacks
On the other side, Marquette’s Nigel James Jr. had an impressive outing, scoring 24 points, while Royce Parham added 13 points. The Golden Eagles fought hard, taking the lead following their explosive start to the second half, but ultimately fell short against St. John’s resilience.
Clutch Moments
In the closing minutes of the game, Marquette narrowed the lead down to two points. However, Ejiofor sealed the game with two clutch free throws, and Hopkins secured a key defensive rebound. He then scored two more from the free-throw line, ensuring the Red Storm would emerge victorious.
Conclusions: A Look Forward
With this win, St. John’s improves to 21-5 overall and 14-1 in conference play. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on their performance as they aim to maintain this winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the Big East.
To check the latest Big East standings and detailed stats for St. John’s, visit ESPN.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Red Storm continues their quest for excellence in college basketball.
