NEW YORK -- Shamorie Ponds continued his incredible play by scoring 44 points and resurgent St. John's, coming off consecutive victories over top-five teams, defeated Marquette 86-78 on Saturday.
Ponds was 16-of-23 shooting, making 4 of 7 from the arc and 8 of 9 free throws in becoming the first St. John's player to reach 40 points since Marcus Hatten also scored 44 against Rutgers on March 6, 2003, tying for fourth-most in program history. It was also the most points scored in Carnesecca Arena/Alumni Hall.
Ponds scored 33 against No. 4 Duke and 26 versus No.