St. John’s was playing without Mustapha Heron, but in mid-February, in the middle of a close conference race—the Red Storm felt they had no excuse.
Fresh off of momentum-building, NCAA Tournament resume-changing victory over the Marquette Golden Eagles, completing the season sweep on the road at the Fiserv Forum earlier in the week, the Red Storm came to a quick halt by the length, physicality, and hard-nosed nature of the Providence Friars.
The Friars spoiled St. John’s return to Madison Square Garden, winning 70-56.
“I don’t think it had anything to do with playing without Mustapha,” said St.