NEW YORK -- Justin Simon turned three takeaways in the last minute -- a steal and two defensive rebounds -- into five points at the other end and St. John's defeated Butler 72-68 in double overtime on Wednesday night.
Simon, a transfer from Arizona, led St. John's (15-15, 4-13 Big East) with 24 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and five assists. Marvin Clark II, who sank a pair of insurance free throws at the very end, added 20 points and two blocked shots, Bashir Ahmed tossed in 22 points.
And the resurgent Red Storm did it without sophomore sensation Shamorie Ponds, who did not play due to an abdominal strain and is listed as day-to-day.