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WHERE: Carnesecca Arena, Queens, New York
TIME: 4:30 p.m. ET
CHANNEL: FS1
ONLINE: Fox Sports Go
SERIES HISTORY: First meeting between teams.
So far in Year 3 of the Chris Mullin Era, business has been booming.
A 6-1 start to the year, their best start since Steve Lavin's final year at the helm of the Johnnies, and not to mention a 3rd Place Finish in the AdvoCare Invitational.
The St. John's Red Storm plays their first game since last week when they (dreadfully) took down UCF 46-43. The Red Storm shot 27 percent from the field and 26 percent from 3. While they shot poorly, the managed to grind it out and pull out the victory. Something they haven't been able to do in the first two years on Mullin’s tenure.
The Sacred Heart Pioneers come into the contest with a record of 3-4 following an 87-80 victory over UMass-Lowell Wednesday night. The Pioneers were led by their senior forward Joseph Lopez, who recorded a 20 point, 13 rebound double double in the win. Junior Sean Hoehn recorded 18 points and 7 steals in the winning effort. They will be undersized Saturday with Lopez (6'8") being the tallest player on the roster. They will be going up against Marvin Clark II (6'7"), Kassoum Yakwe (6'7") and Tariq Owens (6'11").
St. John's wins if:
They get all around play from everyone. Red Storm guards Shamorie Ponds and Marcus LoVett both struggled during their time in Orlando. While they both made big shots at different times of the tournament, they will need more production from Justin Simon, Marvin Clark II and Bashir Ahmed to win their second straight game.
Sacred Heart wins if:
They rebound effectively. St. John's averages 12 offensive rebounds per game (87 rebounds in seven games). Although at times, the Red Storm struggles to rebound at times. This will open a chance for Lopez (9.0 RPG) and freshman E.J. Anosike (7.9 RPG) to pull down rebounds. If the Pioneers can rebound, they have a chance to win (or at least not a laughable loss).