BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: St. John's @ Louisville

February 21, 2007


The red-hot Louisville Cardinals look to strenghten their hold on one of the four Big East Conference Tournament byes when they welcome the St. John's Redstorm to Freedom Hall for a game telecast by ESPN2.

The Cardinals have won three in a row, including road wins over Pittsburgh and Marquette, and return home with a national ranking and a 9-4 Big East mark. The Cards have a favorable schedule down the stretch with a trip to Connecticut and a home game with Seton Hall to close out the Big East slate.

St. John's has put themselves in solid shape to make the Big East Tournament, holding a 3-win lead in the standings over South Florida, Rutgers and Seton Hall. After tonight, the 'Storm host Duke this weekend before wrapping up conference play with Providence on March 4th.

Here are a few pregame articles found on the internet this morning:

Cards Expected to Go Without Palacios (Louisville Courier-Journal)
Cards Get the Message: Slump is Over (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Pitino Wary of Johnnies (NY Post)


It has not been an easy transition for Louisville from Conference USA to the Big East. Last season the Cardinals barely qualified for the Big East tournament and a series of injuries had Rick Pitino's squad off to another slow start this year. However, in the last month, Louisville has won seven of their last nine games as they have rounded back into shape after getting everyone healthier. Also, their highly regarded freshman class has matured on and off the floor, meaning minutes for Derrick Caracter, more minutes for Earl Clark and more consistent play out of Jerry Smith (Saturday's hero) and Edgar Sosa.

St. John's got off to a slow start in the Big East, losing four of their first five games. However back-to-back home wins over Syracuse and Notre Dame gave the Redstorm some life and since then they have beaten the teams they were supposed to (Cincinnati, USF & Rutgers). In Norm Roberts third season, it was the year they were supposed to take a step forward as a program. It looks like they have, maybe not as big of a step as hoped, but they have shown progress.

Tonight, Louisville is a 12.5-p favorite at home. They are a deep team, even though they are likely without Juan Palacios in this game. They are also a versatile team with athletic and long wings to match with St. John's strength. The Redstorm have a bit of a tendency to lose big on the road to quality teams, that could be a trend that continues tonight.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Louisville 68 St. John's 54

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: St. John's @ Providence

February 17, 2007


It will be interesting to see what kind of mind frame each team will be in on Saturday. Both teams are making the quick turnaround from playing Thursday night in games that had very different results impacting their season's hopes.

Providence is coming off a loss at Notre Dame that saw the Friars let another opportunity for a meaningful road win slip on by. Providence is 4-1 at home in conference action, so they will look to rebound and continue their home success on Saturday afternoon. At 15-9, they have no room to let another game slip by them in conference play, so a motivated Friar team should be on the floor Saturday.

St. John's looked to have put the final touches on a qualifying record for the Big East Tournament on Thursday night. It almost seemed like a sense of accomplishment has overcome their program. After three straight years of no conference tournament, there is cause for some celebration, especially after a slow start in the conference. St. John's has won five of their last eight, so they have played better of late. However, they are still just 1-5 on the road in conference play.

This is a game Providence should win and, at home, shoudl win easily. Hopefully the sting of losing to Notre Dame and Pittsburgh in tight games in the last week does not take too much out of them. St. John's might just relax a bit, but them and the road has not mixed well at all this season.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Providence 73 St. John's 62

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Rutgers @ St. John's

February 15, 2007



St. John's looks to continue to solidify themselves a spot in the Big East Tournament when they welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to New York City. A 6th conference win would give the Redstorm a 3-game lead over Rutgers, Seton Hall and South Florida, as well as keep them ahead of UConn (in wins) for the last spot for the BET.

Rutgers needs this game and a minor miracle to reacy Madison Square Garden for the Big East Tournament. At 3-9, with only two wins over Cincinnati and an overtime win over Seton Hall, the first year of the Fred Hill era is not looking to end very promising.

Here are the pregame stories and previews found on the internet this morning:

Webb is Savoring Final Games (Star-Ledger)
Uphill Trek to Garden Begins With Beating St. John's (Courier-News)
Rutgers-St. John's Scouting Report (Courier News)
Storm out for Revenge (NY Daily News)
Johnnies Crank up for Big Finish (NY Post)


Tonight in Carnesecca Arena, the St. John's Redstorm will look to earn their 6th conference win of the season and virtually assure themselves of a spot in the Big East Tournament, a first under Norm Roberts. In order to do so they will have to handle the Rutgers Scarlet Knights this evening.

The Redstorm are 8.5-pt favorites tonight and should have too much offensive firepower for Rutgers. With Lamont Hamilton inside and athletic forwards like Anthony Mason and Qa'arron Calhoun in the mix and a steady point guard like Eugene Lawrence, the Redstormshould be able to put points on the board at a greater pace then the offensively challenged Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers is still waiting to find some consistent offensive output. JR Inman is their leading scorer anf rebounder, but their offensive output from the rest of the squad has been pretty non existant, especially from a consistency standpoint. Marquis Webb and Jaron Griffin each have had solid games, but more than not, their shooting touch has been missing.

NBE Blogger Prediction: St. John's 67 Rutgers 58

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: St. John's @ Syracuse

February 11, 2007


On Sunday, the Syracuse Orange look to avenge their earlier loss suffered at Madison Square Garden at the hands of St. John's when the Redstorm visit the Carrier Dome. Syracuse looks to re-start their season and build some momentum that has seen them lose four of their last five games to fall to 5-5 in the Big East and right smack dab on the NCAA bubble.

St. John's is also playing for something, the first trip to the Big East Tournament for their current players. Since the game is played on their home turf, Madison Square Garden, the Redstorm have been stung by not making the conference party the last couple seasons. They are on the cusp this year at 5-6 and are trying to fend off several teams behind them, but have a tough finish compared to a few teams chasing them.


In their first meeting, St. John's got off to a quick start, but the Orange recovered and the game was back and forth from then on. However, as they have done a few times of late, Syracuse crumbled down the stretch and Avery Patterson hit the big shots to pull it out for SJU.

Syracuse struggles in the halfcourt as their point guard play is very suspect and their frontline struggles scoring in any kind of half-court offense where they must create. They need to rely on Demetris Nichols and feed their top offensive threat the ball as much as possible and work off of him, but nobody on the floor seems to understand that, and that is where their point guard play falls short.

Syracuse will depend on their zone to defend St. John's, and that is not a bad idea as the Redstorm really struggle shooting the ball, especially away from home. The Orange have the ahtletes to defend Lamont Hamilton, but whichever team can get the other in foul trouble will have the edge. After publicly being testy with the officiating in their loss to UConn on Monday, look for Jim Boeheim to work the officials very hard on Sunday and get the benefit of some calls.

Syracuse should take this one at home.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Syracuse 70 St. John's 60

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: ST. JOHN'S

February 9, 2007


COMMITMENT ALERT: paris Horne, 6'3 G from Bridgton Academy


Projected 2007-2008 Roster:


SENIORS: Eugene Lawrence (G), Avery Patterson (SG)
JUNIORS: Anthony Mason (F), Ricky Torres (SG), Tomas Jasiulionis F/C)
SOPHOMRES: Larry Wright (G), Qa'rraan Calhoun (F)
FRESHMEN: Justin Burrell (PF), Malik Boothe (PG), Rob Thomas (F), Ayodele Coker (C), Mike Cavataio (G/F), Paris Horne (G)




As St. John's spent a lot of time keeping tabs on early period signee Justin Burrell at Bridgton Academy, they really got to know his teammate, 6'3 guard Paris Horne. That familiarity paid off for both sides as earlier last week as St. John's Adds Fast-Rising Prep School Guard (CSTV).

-
Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

-


Paris Horne is another Prep School kid that used his play this season in the prep ranks to gain a major conference scholarship offer. When St. John's offered the 6'3 shooting guard, he was ready to make the commitment. Horne is a strong guard that likes to get to the rim and will do many things well on the floor. He needs to work on his perimeter shot, but he has the physical tools and confidence to be a tough Big East performer for the Redstorm. Originally from Delaware, Horne had interest this winter from schools such as California, St. Bonaventure and Boston College as he excelled at several Prep School events by showing a fearless style of attacking the basket, no matter who was in his way.


The Redstorm now have a six-member freshmen class for 2007-2008 with the late additions of Horne and Mike Cavataio, along with previous commitments from Ayodele Coker, Malik Boothe and Justin Burrell. The Redstorm will also add the services of Rob Thomas whi is sitting out this season and should be eligible to play by second semester next season. I am a little surprised the Redstorm did not opt to add some frontcourt depth with their last scholarship at this time. With the graduation of Lamont Hamilton and Aaron Spears, they are left only with Tomas Jasiulionis and freshman Ayodele Coker with the ideal size to play the post positions in the Big East.

St. John's can continue their efforts with the class of 2008, but they currently have only two scholarships open for the class. Another big man to play strong inside, probably as a PF, will probably be the biggest priority. We will continue to monitor their prospects as we move towards spring.

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: South Florida @ St. John's

February 7, 2007


The fact that only 12 of the 16 teams in the Big East conference qualify for the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden has been a point of controversy since the league exanded to 16 teams. However, one of the reasons I like that is because this otherwise meaningless game has a lot riding on it. South Florida and St. John's, along with Seton Hall and UConn, are the teams battling for the last two spots at the year-end conference party. Tonight, two of them go head to head as South Florida tries to catch St. John's and make their move.


Here are the pregame stories and previews we have found on the internet this morning:

USF Center Has Big Presence, Big Heart (St. Petersburg Times)
USF Has No Room for Error (Tampa Tribune)
It's a Big One for Storm (NY Daily News)
Johnnies Need Mase's Muscle (NY Post)



Click below for our brief preview and prediction on this game and don't forget to leave your prediction in the comments section.

READ REST OF PREVIEW...CLICK "Read More" BELOW



South Florida has definitely shown some improvement. They have won three conference games after winning just once last year in the Big East. The Bulls are coming off a home win over a ranked Notre Dame club after narrowly missing an upset against Marquette in their previous outing. The addition of big Kentrell Gransberry to the line-up mid-year has given the Bulls an added dimension in the middle and the return to health of point guard Chirs Howard has helped stabilize the most important positions on the floor. This allows McHugh Mattis and Melvin Buckley to do what they do best and they have more depth with Jesus Verdejo, Solomon Bozeman, Melvyn Richardson, Ade Saaka and Chris Capko rounding out the rotation, giving coach Robert McCullum his deepest rotation since joining the Big East. The Bulls are at 3-6 and are still looking for their first road conference win in their short Big East history.

St. John's has won three of their last five to inch upwards in the standings and currently sit at 4-6 in the conference. The Redstorm also owns a home win over Notre Dame, as well as Syracuse, and is coming off a road win at Cincinnati. The emergence of freshman Qa'rron Calhoun has added a little moe versatility to their frontcourt, but they will hope to have Anthony Mason healthy for this one. The athletic sophomore suffered a painful finger injury in the win over Cincinnati, but will give it a go tonight. The Redstorm hopes will likely depend on senior Lamont Hamilton. When he is on the floor and active, the Redstorm will have the advantage tonight. If he is limited by foul trouble, St. John's will have a tough time tonight.

Until the Bulls win their first conference road game, I can't pick them with any confidence away from home. The fact this is a true road game and being played at Carnesecca Arena also makes things a little tougher for the 3.5-pt underdog Bulls.

NBE Blogger Prediction: St. John's 65 South Florida 60

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: St. John's @ Cincinnati

February 4, 2007


The Big East gives us an appetizer to the Superbowl with St. John's travelling to Cincinnati to meet the Bearcats. After the excitement of a pair of upset wins at home over Syracuse and Notre Dame, St. John's came back to Earth with a loud thud in losses to Pittsburgh (72-46) and Georgetown (72-48). At 3-6, the Redstorm are still very much in a fight to qualify for the Big East Tournament, something they have been unable to participate in for the last three seasons.

The Bearcats have lost eight ot nine and sit at the bottom of the conference with a league record of 1-6. Only a stirring come-from-behind OT upset win over West Virginia has found them on the right side of the scoreboard in the last nine game. Even after losses to Pittsburgh and Georgetown, Mick Cronin thought his team was improving, but after a series of defensive lapses in their loss to Louisville on Wednesday, Cronin was left fuming about the play of his Bearcats.

If St. John's can keep Lamont Hamilton on the floor and out of foul trouble, they should be in good shape. However, in their four preview conference road games, they have lost on average by 20 points. The Bearcats should have an angry chip on their shoulders in a building that they do tend to play tough in. Cincinnati has athletes, as does St. John's, so it will be which team can make shots, whoch neither has been known to do consistently.

When in doubt, take the home team in a close one.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Cincinnati 64 St. John's 63

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Georgetown @ St. John's

February 1, 2007

The last two teams from the upperhalf of the Big East conference to wander into Madison Square Garden were sent home with a 'L' courtesy of the St. John's Redstorm. St. John's will look to increase their home winning streak to three games tonight when the Georgetown Hoyas come to New York City. Georgetown has won four in a row and they begin a two-game road trip tonight in NYC which will also include a trip to Louisville this weekend.

Here are the pregame stories and previews on tonight's game we have found on the internet this morning:



Hoyas Have Been Handling With Care (Washington Post)
Ewing Jr. Follows Dad's Path to Garden (NY Times)
Hill's Career Could Be Done (Newsday)
Hill May Be Done at SJU (NY Post)
Knee Troubles Shut Down Hill (NY Daily News)

Click below for our brief preview and prediction on this game and don't forget to leave your prediction in the comments section.

READ REST OF PREVIEW...CLICK "Read More" BELOW


It is a tough time for St. John's fans today as the news is out that senior guard Daryll Hill will be sidelined for up to 4-6 weeks to try and rehab his injured knee. The best case scenario looks like he might be available for the Big East Tournament if the Redstorm can qualify, but the level of impact he would have is unknown. Hill was a true NYC legend, earning the nickname 'Showtime' for his play in the Rucker Park summer league and averaged 20 PPG as a sophomore for the depleted Redstorm. A bothersome knee has hindered his play the past two seasons and has forced him to shut it down for the time being.

Without Hill, the Redstorm will have to get more production from Larry Wright and Ricky Torres and hope to see consistent offense from Avery Patterson at the 2-guard. Eugene Lawrence is a tough point guard, but their backcourt offense just has not come around with a hobbled Hill. Tonight they have to score against one of the toughest defenses in the country. Georgetown counters St. John's existing strength with size and athletic ability in the frontcourt and will make it very hard for St. John's to score.

On offense, the Hoyas will look to get the ball inside to Roy Hibbert in position to score and run their backdoor cuts from there. If St. John's goes to zone, Jeff Green and Dajuan Summers can step away from the paint and hit out to the 3-pt range and crash the boards with Hibbert. Georgetown has too many options for St. John's to keep up offensively.

Georgetown is a 7.5-pt favorite and a predicted 10-pt winner by the Pomeroy Computer. Georgetown should be able to cover that number.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Georgetown 65 St. John's 54