LOS ANGELES—St. John’s faced a daunting task in the opening game of the 2017 Hall of Fame Classic at Staples Center. Playing 2,800 miles away from home without sensational guard Marcus LoVett and against the dynamic offense of No. 16 Arizona State, the Red Storm closed within one point late in the game, but couldn’t hold off an 11-0 ASU surge to close the game, losing 82-70.
The loss snapped the Red Storm’s win streak at three, splitting its two games on the West Coast, and drops its record to 8-2.
Forward Romello White scored 22 points and had nine rebounds to lead the Sun Devils and was named the game’s MVP.