UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Shamorie Ponds scored 28 points, Justin Simon had 11 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, and St. John's beat Saint Joseph's 77-73 in the Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase on Wednesday night.
St. John's (10-2) is off to its best start in the Chris Mullin Era.
Ponds split a double team on a drive to the basket and made an off-balance shot to put St. John's up 73-68. Saint Joseph's got within 73-71 but Ponds hit four straight free throws on St. John's next two possessions to seal it.
Bashir Ahmed added 16 points for St.