What's Happening?
The St. John's Red Storm basketball team secured a 79-66 victory against DePaul in their Big East season opener. The game, held at Carnesecca Arena, saw significant contributions from Dylan Darling, who
scored a season-high 17 points off the bench. Joson Sanon also played a pivotal role, matching his career high with nine rebounds and adding 15 points. Zuby Ejiofor was notable for his defensive prowess, achieving his 20th block in three games, a record last set by Chris Obekpa in 2013. Despite Bryce Hopkins' struggles, including no rebounds and three turnovers, the Red Storm's bench outperformed DePaul's, outscoring them 32-4. This victory marks the eighth consecutive win for St. John's over DePaul.
Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial for St. John's as it sets a positive tone for their Big East campaign. The performance of players like Dylan Darling and Joson Sanon highlights the depth and potential of the team, which could be pivotal in their pursuit of a successful season. The game also underscores the importance of bench strength, as evidenced by the significant scoring contribution from non-starters. For DePaul, the loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in shooting efficiency and reducing turnovers. The outcome of this game could influence team strategies and player development as the season progresses.
What's Next?
St. John's will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Big East schedule. Coach Rick Pitino may focus on enhancing the team's defensive strategies and improving the consistency of key players like Bryce Hopkins. DePaul, on the other hand, will need to address their shooting inefficiencies and turnover issues to improve their performance in upcoming games. Both teams will likely analyze this game to refine their tactics and player roles as they aim for better results in future matchups.
