Despite the efforts of Shamorie Ponds - a career-high 37 points - on offense and a slow Villanova start, the St. John’s Red Storm fell to the Villanova Wildcats 78-71 in Madison Square Garden, in the Johnnies’ first Big East game at MSG.
St. John’s stumbles 10-8 on the season, 0-6 in Big East play. The #1 ranked Villanova Wildcats improve to 16-1 on the season and 4-1 in Big East play.
The Johnnies were competent on defense early, and on offense kept things competitive, trading leads with Villanova. But the depth issue raised its concerns quickly when Justin Simon was called for an offensive foul when he drove into awaiting Phil Booth in the paint.