With Jordan Out Three of a Kind Just Enough for St. John's

              Almost despite all the analysis, statistical and otherwise , that seems to go into every game these days, sometimes games boil down to the notion most often found in baseball about being due.

              That may have happened to St. John's as they got just enough from three point land to stave off an upset bid by a young Monmouth squad 64-54. They did it despite missing highly touted freshman Rysheed Jordan, who served what was termed a "disciplinary suspension"

              To be sure one of the elements that made the Bucknell game a difficult and ultimately well earned win was missing; experience. Monmouth's roster, by contrast features 7 freshman and nearly exclusively young players. several of whom have local ties and several of them had good moments as they went toe-to toe with the area's most storied basketball program.  Upstate NY's Justin Robinson led Monmouth with 15 points and a nice floor game while former local standouts Tyrone O'Garro (St. Peter's Prep NJ) and Josh James (Stepinac) each continued to attack the basket even as St. John's set a school record by blocking 15 shots.

              "Hats off to Monmouth for competing and giving themselves a chance to win at the defensive end of the floor", St. John's coach Steve Lavin said. Monmouth's effort defensively was complimented by their coach King Rice's ability to change defenses and keep St. John's off stride just enough to help his team hang around and force the Red Storm to turn to an area where they've struggled all season; three point shooting.

              The Johnnies entered the game shooting just 15% from three point distance. Last night the percentage was more than double that at 38% but th4y came at key times, especially from D'angelo Harrison. His two triples in the last  4:07 provided St. John's with its first working margin of the game and a third trifecta with 1:04 left which capped off a great night for Phil Greene effectively iced the game for St. John's. "We don't win the game without those 3's." Lavin said.

              Greene finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Harrison and Jakar Sampson added 15 and 14 for St. John's which plays Longwood College at 7 pm on Tuesday.