Between First Four opponents Arizona State and St. John’s, there is one thing in common: both had higher aspirations than Dayton. The opposing squads combined for a 21-3 record to start the year.
In fact, St. John’s didn’t lose its first game until late December. That game, the Red Storm fell 76-74 to Seton Hall. Their downward spiral began that night and never really ended.
St. John’s finished Big East play 8-10 with losses to DePaul (twice), Providence (also twice), Georgetown and Butler. Most recently, the Red Storm were drubbed by Marquette in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals, 86-54.