St. John's cruises past Northern Iowa into Round of 32
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San Diego — St. John's defeated Northern Iowa 79-53 Friday at Viejas Arena in the East Regional first round of the NCAA Tournament, led by a balanced offensive effort and strong rebounding that produced an early lead the Panthers could not overcome.
The victory advanced the fifth-seeded Red Storm to the Round of 32, where they are scheduled to face No. 4 Kansas on Sunday; St. John's reported 29-6 season record, Zuby Ejiofor posted 14 points and 11 rebounds, and the team made 10 three-pointers.
More context
Timeline
- 1. November — St. John's endured several nonconference losses that reduced early-season expectations.
- 2. Early January — Home loss to Providence occurred, then the team began a prolonged winning streak.
- 3. Late season — St. John's won Big East regular-season and conference tournament championships.
- 4. Friday (East Regional) — St. John's beat Northern Iowa 79-53 at Viejas Arena in NCAA first round.
- 5. Sunday (Round of 32) — St. John's scheduled to play No. 4 Kansas in the second round.
Why it matters
St. John's victory is a testament to resilience. Despite early-season losses, they bounced back to win the Big East championships and now advance in the NCAA Tournament. It's a reminder that setbacks can fuel future success. If you're a fan, it's time to show your support.
Sources
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