Zuby Ejiofor had 16 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first profession triple-double, and No. 15 St. John’s bounced again from an embarrassing loss by blitzing Villanova 89-57 at Madison Sq. Backyard

NEW YORK — Zuby Ejiofor had 16 factors, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first profession triple-double, and No. 15 St. John’s bounced again from an embarrassing loss by blitzing Villanova 89-57 on Saturday evening at Madison Sq. Backyard.

Ian Jackson added 19 factors and a career-high 5 steals off the bench for the Pink Storm (23-6, 16-2 Massive East), who sprinted out to a 30-point lead within the first half and remained a half-game behind No. 6 UConn atop the convention standings.

Oziyah Sellers scored 14 within the Johnnies’ most lopsided victory over Villanova, their most frequent opponent. St. John’s leads 68-67 in a collection that dates to the 1909-1910 season.

Ejiofor, who additionally blocked three photographs, delivered the fourth identified triple-double at school historical past and second up to now 26 years, after Kadary Richmond had one within the regular-season finale final yr towards Marquette.

On the sideline, 73-year-old Corridor of Fame coach Rick Pitino once more channeled Colonel Sanders in his all-white swimsuit and footwear as St. John’s inspired followers to put on white for its annual “White Out” sport.

St. John’s was coming off a 72-40 loss Wednesday evening at rival UConn, the place the Pink Storm shot 20% and missed their final 24 field-goal makes an attempt over the ultimate 17:27 in by far their largest defeat in three seasons underneath Pitino.

That ended a 13-game profitable streak — the longest for this system in 41 years.

Duke Brennan scored 10 of his 12 factors within the second half for the Wildcats (22-7, 13-5), who had received seven of eight. They would be the No. 3 seed within the Massive East Match.

Villanova misplaced beginning ahead Matt Hodge to a proper leg damage early within the second half. After the sport, coach Kevin Willard stated he had no replace but.

Villanova visits DePaul on Wednesday evening trying to sweep the regular-season collection.

St. John’s hosts Georgetown on Tuesday evening at Madison Sq. Backyard in its closing dwelling sport of the common season, after profitable their first matchup 95-83 on New Yr’s Eve.

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