Overview
- Providence closed the game on a 25–9 run over the final 7:52 after trailing by 10, overturning St. John’s early 13–0 start.
- Freshman Stefan Vaaks scored 16 points, hitting three late threes including the go-ahead shot with 1:57 left as the Friars scored on their final six possessions.
- Zuby Ejiofor was dominant with 33 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass, but also had seven turnovers and went 14-for-23 at the line.
- St. John’s supporting cast struggled badly, with Joson Sanon, Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins combining to shoot 5-for-33 as the team finished at 28.2% from the field and 24-of-37 on free throws.
- Providence grabbed 15 offensive rebounds for 23 second-chance points to improve to 8–6 (1–2 Big East), while St. John’s fell to 9–5 (2–1) as Hopkins managed nine points and was booed by Friars fans; Rick Pitino said he will not add a midseason guard.