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By Andrew Rosario
If you closed your eyes, you would think the #1 Connecticut Huskies were home when they faced the #5 St. John Red Storm in the Big East semi-final game at Madison Square Garden Saturday night. The chant of “let’s go-Huskies” resonated throughout the arena from the very beginning. These schools have faced each other 69 times in the past with St. John’s winning 36 of those contests. The fan support didn’t seem to affect the Red Storm as they jumped out to a early 13-6 lead as guard Daniss Jenkins scored 11 of those points, connecting on 2, 3-point shots. The Huskies regained their composure going up by 10 (34-24) after a Tristen Newton lay-up with 7:46 left in the first half. The Red Storm would end the half down by 5 (52-47) and looked for a way to slow down the Huskies in the second half.
When Jenkins nailed a jump shot, it got the Red Storm within 2 (56-54) but unfortunately, that would be the closest they would get as the Huskies would take control in the second half coming away with the 95-90 win putting them in the Big East Finals.
The Red Storm did everything they could to slow down the Huskies machine. In the end, Connecticut was just too much in every phase. They shot 57% from the floor, 50% from 3-point land and converted 22 of 24 free throws.
The St. John’s Red Storm do not need to hang their collective heads despite the loss. They will be part of March Madness when the selection takes place Sunday afternoon. Be aware of the team that has to face them in the first round.
