St. John’s takes care of business against Central Connecticut State

For the sixth straight season, the St. John’s Red Storm are 2-0 to open the year.

The Red Storm picked up an 87-57 victory over former Big East Player of the Year Donyell Marshall and the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils Saturday afternoon in Queens.

Believe it or not, the game was actually close and competitive for about 21 minutes. CCSU hit a three to open the second half and St. John’s lead was just 39-36, but the Red Storm then went on a 24-1 run over the next five minutes and never looked back.

Mustapha Heron recorded 30 points on a career-high six three-pointers made. Heron’s 30 points is the second-most he’s ever recorded behind a 31 point outburst in 2018 against Winthrop when Heron was a member of the Auburn Tigers. LJ Figueroa had a solid all-around performance, as well. Figueroa finished the night with 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists. St. John’s leading rebounder, though, was JuCo transfer Damien Sears, who pulled in 11 boards to go along with eight points. Sears could be a real impact player for the Red Storm this season if he can continue that type of play.

Greg Outlaw led CCSU with 11 points.

The Red Storm will be back in action Tuesday night when they host New Hampshire.