Led by Shamorie Ponds (game-high 22 points), and a double-double by Tariq Owens (12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks), the St. John's Red Storm turned a game which was unexpectedly close at the half into a runaway victory over the Sacred Heart Pioneers of the NEC.
The Johnnies were playing without Marcus LoVett, who had sprained his left knee at practice this week. And for the first half, his absence was clearly felt. The anemic offense which plagued St. John's in last Sunday’s game against UCF in Orlando seemed to follow them home to Carnesecca Arena, and the Pioneers (led by sophomore guard Kinnon LaRose - 12 points) made 7 of 11 from behind the arc to trail St.