Xavier Pounds Way to Big Win vs. St. John's

              On paper Xavier is one of three new teams in the realigned Big East. But in last night's impressive 65-53 win over St. John's they looked about as old school Big East as it gets.

              The Muskie's half court defense and patient offense created a tempo that suited them perfectly. And while it may be a slow pace in terms of possessions Xavier was quick and active as well as physical. After a first half where neither team led by more than 5 points Xavier did not pull away with the help of a quick spurt. Instead they built a lead that grew to as much as 10 points by methodically pounding the ball inside.

              Center Matt Staibrook got Xavier going early and finished with 13 points before fouling out. He was one of three Xavier bigs who hit for double figures. Fellow starter Isaiah Philmore matched Stainbrook's total  but the guy who Muskie coach Chris Mack called  "the best player on the floor" , freshman forward Jalen Reynolds, finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Many of them came on simple post up plays that led to point blank shots against a defense that St. John's coach Steve Lavin admitted offered a "lack of resistance"

              Defensively Xavier effectively bottled up St. John's penetration. And their patient and potent offense helped on the defensive end as Xavier held the Red Storm  without a fast break point.

              St. John's was coming off what can be gently described as a topsy turvy week that Lavin called "the most challenging" of his career. St. John's players and coaches alike refused to make the week that saw a new baby for Orlando Sanchez and a terrible family tragedy for Rysheed Jordan into an excuse. But Lavin admitted that the team's preparation  was affected negatively by those events. Jordan played well in the second half, scoring 11 points, but Xavier's defense limited the Johnnies to 31% shooting and 0-9 from 3 point range.

              The loss comes at a critical time as St. John's battles with Xavier and other teams for an NCAA tourney birth. Their conference record at 8-8 and their 1-5 record against RPI top 50 teams makes their position tenuous at best.

              JaKarr Sampson was St. John's only double figure scorer with 14 points. Xavier limited St. John's leading scorer D'angelo Harrison to just 4 points on 1-11 shooting. For Xavier star guard Samaj Christon complimented his teammates great work inside  with 15 points 7 boards and 6 assists.