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NY Post
New York Post
3 Feb 2024


NextImg:St. John’s outclassed by No. 1 UConn in second half as struggles continue

On a day St. John’s best was needed, it didn’t come close. 

Not on the defensive end. Not at the free-throw line.

Certainly not in winning time. 

With the game up for grabs in the second half, top-ranked Connecticut outclassed St. John’s.

It didn’t have standout forward Alex Karaban (ankle), and center Donovan Clingan was a non-factor due to foul trouble, but it didn’t matter. 

The Huskies overpowered the Johnnies after halftime and cruised to a 77-64 victory at a sold-out Garden.

St. John’s has now lost five of its last six games and is without a marquee victory, with chances for one dwindling. 

Connecticut played like the more desperate team despite its lofty ranking.

It out-rebounded St. John’s by 15 and held the Johnnies without a made 3-pointer after halftime.

Stephon Castle #5 of the Connecticut Huskies and Chris Ledlum of the St. John’s Red Storm fight for control of the ball during the first half on Saturday. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The dynamic trio of Cam Spencer, Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle combined for 59 points.

St. John’s, meanwhile, only got six points and four rebounds from center Joel Soriano.

Daniss Jenkins had 19 points, but only six after halftime.

The Red Storm’s 3-point (28.6 percent) and free-throw shooting (66.7) remained poor. 

Stephon Castle #5 of the Connecticut Huskies slams the ball during the first half. Robert Sabo for NY Post

It was an evenly played first half.

Connecticut started fast, racing out to a 14-5 lead.

St. John’s responded with an extended 22-8 burst.

It was a one-point game at the break, the showdown there for the taking.

Jenkins was the best player on the floor in the first 20 minutes, hitting three 3-pointers and scoring 13 points.

St. John’s coach Rick Pitino yells instructions during this team’s game against UConn on Saturday. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The Johnnies, though, were minus-five on the glass and outscored in the paint by six.

Alleyne gave them a late boost with a pair of long jumpers, sending them into intermission with a narrow lead. 

Connecticut began to take control midway through the first half, stringing together an 8-0 run and the heavy contingent of Huskies fans began to be heard.

St. John’s celebrates the 25-year anniversary of the 1998-99 team that reached the Elite Eight. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Chris Ledlum picked up his fourth foul, and the deficit was seven with 12:04 to go.

St. John’s coach Rick Pitino went back to Soriano and he answered with a badly-needed three-point play.

It didn’t create nearly enough momentum.

UConn quickly had the lead into double figures and didn’t look back.