Yes, Allen Iverson, we’re talking about practice.
Practice is what got Nahiem Alleyne into the starting lineup.
If Wednesday night was any indication, he doesn’t plan to go anywhere.
The UConn transfer was a pivotal factor in one of the Johnnies’ most impressive performances of the young season, a wire-to-wire 81-66 victory over Xavier in Rick Pitino’s Big East opener at Carnesecca Arena.
Alleyne didn’t just score 15 points and provide timely baskets, but he keyed a strong defensive effort.
Xavier star duo of Desmond Claude and Quincy Olivari was held to 8-of-17 shooting and just one made 3-pointer in six attempts.
The Musketeers scored 10 points under their season average, shot 34.9 percent from the field and made only 1-of-11 3-pointers after halftime.
After a slow start, Joel Soriano owned the paint, notching 18 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks and five assists against Xavier’s outmanned frontcourt.
Chris Ledlum added 13 points and six rebounds, Daniss Jenkins had 11 points and five assists, and Jordan Dingle had 10 points off the bench.
Jenkins set the tone, scoring seven points over the first four minutes as St. John’s raced out to a nine-point lead.
It scored the game’s first eight points and never trailed in a strong first 20 minutes.
The Johnnies won all the hustle stats. Second-chance points (9-3), points in the paint (16-12) and points off turnovers (12-2).
They held Xavier to 3-of-10 shooting from 3-point range and forced nine turnovers.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the half was that Soriano was held in check.
But eight different Johnnies scored, led by Ledlum’s 10 points.
Dingle, Drissa Traore, Jenkins and Ledlum each sank 3-pointers and Soriano came alive late in the period.
St. John’s started the second half like it began the first, locking up Xavier and padding the lead.
It went to 15 quickly as it took the Musketeers 3:30 to break the ice.