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St. John’s offense has been good. The defense? Not so much
For the Red Storm, five players have averaged double figures in points through the first two games, led by D`Angelo Harrison’s 20.5 points per game. However, St. John’s has been one of the worst defenses in the country through two games, giving up almost 70 points per game, which ranks 218th in the nation.
This is going to be another opportunity for the head coach Steve Lavin’s team to get some confidence by beating an inferior opponent. If they fail to do so and do not win by a large margin, fans may start to worry about the direction of the team this season.
LIU Brooklyn’s opening game may be their toughest
The Blackbirds are actually opening up their season against St. John’s, so two things could happen: LIU Brooklyn could come out flat because they have not played together as a team and are relatively young. Or, they could also come out fresh and with an "us against the world," mentality and really take it to the Red Storm. This game will be likely be the most difficult for the Blackbirds during the regular season so it will interesting to see their mindset heading into Wednesday.
LIU Brooklyn is only two years removed from going to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. Head coach Jack Perri, in his third season, plans on getting his team back to The Big Dance. Will he do it? That is another story, but his team, based on what we have seen from St. John’s, could give the Red Storm a scare.
Red Storm defense should radar Blackbird seniors
With six freshmen on the roster, the Blackbirds will certainly be looking to the few seniors they have to lead the way in their opener against St. John’s. Seniors Landon Atterberry and Gerrell Martin both averaged over 10 points per game a season ago. This season, they will likely carry the load and do not be surprised if they fill up the stat sheet against the Red Storm.
St. John’s will need to keep their defensive radars locked on the seniors all night and if they can do that the Red Storm should win easily. If they do not, expect LIU Brooklyn to make fans very nervous in Queens on Wednesday night.