Fans meeting at the 1870 Club pregame reception were anticipating a team showing an improved defense, recognizing Coach Pitino’s statements on the need to improve defense, particularly from some of the guards. A few fans shared that they were waiting for co-captain Zuby Ejiofor to step up and become more aggressive on offense. Everyone seemed to be talking about the games in the Las Vegas tournament the following week. One fan insisted that each game, regardless of the opposition, played a role in the Johnnies’ continued improvement and how they could maximize their skills as they enter the Big East season and, ultimately, the NCAA Tournament.
It was also noted that Ejiofor had a slow start on the offensive end the previous year, but he turned his game around after the fans’ support during the Bahamas Tournament encouraged him.
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First Half
The Johnnies started with a different lineup than the previous one as Coach Pitino was experimenting with different combinations. Starting were Zuby Ejiofor, Joson Sanon, Oziyah Sellers, Dylan Darling, and Bryce Hopkins. The fans were ready as they broke out in a loud “Defense, defense” chant in the first two minutes of the game to energize the starters as they dropped behind 8-2. It was not turnovers or poor shot selection. The starters missed makeable shots and did not display their usual swagger on the offensive boards.
At the 16:46 mark, all five starters came out, and in came Dillon Mitchell, Sadiku Ayo, Casper Pouto, Ian Jaskson, and Ruben Prey. Another minute passed, then Ian Jackson began what would be a leading scorer of the game breakout. Two free throws, a defensive rebound, and a layup by Jackson brought the deficit to 8-6.
The tide was turning as the Johnnies began pressing after making baskets. The press was not leading to turnovers, but it was slowing the Bison’s ability to bring the ball over the half-court line. Bucknell was taking seven, eight, or nine seconds to advance the ball. St. John’s players were picking up their assignments as the Bisons just passed midcourt, and the Bisons found their offense had under five or six seconds, still not having gotten a shot off.
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Bucknell went into a zone on defense, and Sanon and Hopkins each hit a three, cutting the Bison’s lead to one, 15-14, at the 11:10 mark. Then Hopkins found Ejiofor under the basket for a dunk to give St. John’s the lead for the first time.
The game remained close for the next five minutes, then Lafteris Liotopoulos stepped up. He made two free throws, then, assisted by Prey, drained a three, and the Johnnies were up by eight with five minutes to play.
Ian Jackson came alive with dazzling speed, pushing the ball down court and leading the Johnnies as they extended to sixteen, 41-25.
Halftime
The Johnnies led by 16, yet the shooting percentages were almost identical: the Johnnies made 38.2% of their shots, while the Bisons hit 37.9%. The Johnnies hit six threes while Bucknell hit three. Shooting percentage did not account for a sixteen-point Johnnies lead. What was the difference maker? It was the athleticism and aggressiveness of the Johnnies who took down 27 rebounds to 11 for the Bisons.
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Despite not scoring any points, Dillon Mitchell grabbed six rebounds for the Johnnies. Bryce Hopkins led the scorers with thirteen.
Second Half
At the 11:47 mark of the second half, a Hopkins three, assisted by Ian Jackson, had stretched the lead to 31. Coach Pitino began to mix and match different lineups. All players played a positive role in the victory. Ruben Prey became more aggressive on offense, attacking the basket on the way to scoring fourteen points in seventeen minutes of play. Fellow second-teamer, Ian Jackson, scored twenty, tying Bryce Hopkins for the team lead. Only one Johnnie did not score a point, and the one who didn’t, Fotis Konstantinidis, received strong fan support in his two minutes of play, as fans cheered every time he touched the ball, hoping he would join his teammates in scoring.
Takeaway #1: The athleticism of St. John’s
Observing the game, particularly in person, offers a testament to the athletes who make up this team. Pushing the ball up court at every opportunity, with frequent substitutions, kept a fit Red Storm team playing to their best ability. Dillon Mitchell came alive as the game wound down, scoring his ten points in the last thirteen minutes when Bison defenders seemed unable to stay with him.
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In the first half, the Bisons committed eight turnovers to the Johnnies’ six, a fairly even outcome. In the second half, the Johnnies committed seven turnovers to Bucknell’s sixteen.
It will be revealing if the Johnnies can continue to wear down equally talented and athletic opponents during the Las Vegas tournament next week.
Takeaway #2: Sanon and Jackson were much better defensively
Coach Pitino was clear during the week that he expected Sanon and Jackson to focus on their defensive responsibilities. He put it bluntly that not all players on his team earn their playing time by their reputations. They earn it by their effort in both games and practices. Both Sanon and Jackson came through as their defenses during the game appeared focused and energetic. On top of that, Jackson was a blur going up and down the court on his way to a twenty-point effort. Sanon was 2-of-3 from three on his way to ten points and took down six rebounds in twenty-two minutes of play. His defense, like that of Jackson, seemed focused.
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Takeaway #3: The Johnnies’ camaraderie is already visible
Watching the Red Storm compete is a joy to watch as the players are very supportive of one another. When players who get minimal playing time like Handje Tamba or Fotis Konstantinidis score, it is an exciting event for everyone on the team. Co-captain Sadiku Ibine Ayo is always coming off the bench to congratulate his teammates when they succeed and to encourage them when they are frustrated. The leadership of Dillon Mitchell and Zuby Ejiofor is evident in their effort on the court. Ejiofor always appears to have a determined and positive attitude when competing while also focusing on how he can assist his teammates in improving.
Outlook
St. John’s’ performance in the last two games is encouraging, particularly with meaningful contributions from Prey and Liotopoulos. Both have significant, supportive roles that can come into play as the season progresses.
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There is a long way to go in the season. The Johnnies had 21 assists in 33 field goals, an impressive 64 percent of the time. Hopefully, the ball movement and unselfishness will continue.
The support of an energetic Johnnies’ fan base also played a role in energizing the team. Red Storm fans. Keep it up!
