Rick Pitino needed to see a greater defensive effort, and his finest participant led the cost.
Zuby Ejiofor made positive St. John’s was higher on that finish of the ground in its 63-58 win over Ole Miss at Madison Sq. Backyard.
The senior ahead set a profession excessive with eight blocked pictures, to associate with 9 rebounds, three steals and a team-high 15 factors.
At halftime, Ejiofor had swatted away six pictures.
“What number of factors did he have at halftime? Two. That was probably the most spectacular factor to me,” coach Rick Pitino mentioned. “He didn’t let frustration stand in the best way, he didn’t even take into consideration the actual fact he solely had two factors. He didn’t let it trouble him. He simply stored grinding and grinding and grinding. It’s straightforward to educate him — very straightforward to educate him.”
Ejiofor turned simply the fourth St. John’s participant to register eight blocks in a single recreation, becoming a member of Tariq Owens, Chris Obekpa (5 occasions) and Sir’Dominic Pointer.
“Truthfully, I didn’t know I had eight blocks till I noticed the stat sheet,” Ejiofor mentioned. “I at all times attempt to be a presence, particularly on that finish.”
Dylan Darling scored all seven of his factors within the closing 4 minutes, however he’s nonetheless struggling taking pictures the ball. Darling made solely 1-of-5 pictures and went 0-for-2 from 3-point vary. He did make 5-of-6 free throws in crunch time.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST BIG EAST STANDINGS AND ST. JOHN’S STATS
“Completely satisfied I might make these free throws down the stretch to assist seal it,” the purpose guard mentioned. “I wish to make every other shot moreover a free throw. I really feel like that will assist the workforce out quite a bit. It’s one thing I’m engaged on.”
St. John’s snapped a seven-game shedding streak to SEC opponents. The final win came visiting South Carolina in 2012.
The Johnnies shot a season-low 34 p.c from the sector and likewise dedicated 20 turnovers, their most this yr.
