After a shaky start defensively, St. John’s ran away with an easy 80-55 win over Central Connecticut. Despite great defensive pressure early on, forcing 7 turnovers during the first ten minutes of the game, the Red Storm led just 21-17. Then the talent disparity became evident.
The Red Storm would go on a 20-2 run late in the first half and never looked back. Justin Simon’s work on the offensive glass and Shamorie Ponds’s ability to shred the defense helped lead the way. The pair combined for 20 points in the first half as St. John’s took a 43-27 lead into the break.