What's Happening?
St. John's University, ranked No. 22, secured a 79-66 victory over DePaul University in their Big East basketball opener. The game took place at Carnesecca Arena, marking the only conference game to be held there this season. Dylan Darling, coming off the bench, scored a season-high 17 points, significantly contributing to the team's success with his 3-point shooting. The Red Storm maintained a lead throughout the game, avoiding a slow start that had plagued them in a previous match against Iona. Joson Sanon added 15 points and tied a career high with nine rebounds, while Ian Jackson and Zuby Ejiofor also made notable contributions. DePaul's Kaleb Banks led his team with 19 points, but the Blue Demons struggled with a 39% shooting rate.
Why It's Important?
This
victory is significant for St. John's as it sets a positive tone for their Big East conference play. The performance of players like Dylan Darling and Zuby Ejiofor highlights the depth and potential of the team, which could be crucial for their success in the season. For DePaul, the loss indicates areas for improvement, particularly in shooting accuracy and defense. The outcome of this game could influence team strategies and player development as both teams progress through the season.
What's Next?
St. John's is set to face Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta, which will be a test of their skills against a strong opponent. DePaul will host No. 5 UConn, providing them an opportunity to regroup and aim for a victory against a top-ranked team. Both games will be critical in shaping the teams' standings and confidence as the season continues.
