The first meeting this season between St. John’s and Villanova produced an instant classic, a back-and-forth battle betwween the teams ending when Phil Booth had the final say in the closing minutes in a 76-71 Wildcats victory.
The return leg at Madison Square Garden could deliver similar fireworks. St. John’s needs to firm up its NCAA Tournament resume with a win, and Villanova needs a win to maintain a 1-game lead in the Big East Conference title race.
Booth and Shamorie Ponds are having outstanding seasons as the lead guards on their respective teams, and Jay Wright and Chris Mullin boast a solid supporting cast to their stars.