ST. JOHN'S FALLS TO DUKE, 76-69, AT MSG

February 20, 2009


St. John's stepped out of conference on Thursday night as they hosted Duke in Madison Square Garden. The Redstrorm Works hard but Falls to Duke (Newsday), 76-69.

The No. 9 Blue Devils Wear Down Redstorm (NY Post) leading by double-digits before a late SJU rally cut the lead to 74-69, but only 15 seconds remained in the contest.

SJU dug themselves an early hole, turning the ball over 13 times in the first half and 18 for the game. SJU was able to shoot 54% from the field against the Blue Devils and out-rebounded them in the game. Sophomore DJ Kennedy had 20 points and 9 rebounds in the game.

The biggest difference, outside the turnovers, was SJU's propensity to put Gerlad Henderson and John Scheyer on the foul line. The duo attempted 27 free throws between them, making 21, while SJU was just 11-16 as a team.

Sean Evans scored 15 for SJU and Malik Boothe added 10, but had six turnovers in the game. The Redstorm return to conference action on Sunday when they welcome Seton Hall to Carnesecca Arena, the favorite conference road venue of Pirate coach Bobby Gonzalez.

SJU is now 12-14 overall on the season and will look to improve on their 3-10 conference record Sunday versus SHU.