Overview
- Providence erased a 13-0 start and two 10-point deficits, closing on a 25-9 run as freshman Stefan Vaaks hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:57 left and finished with 16 points.
- Zuby Ejiofor posted 33 points and 15 rebounds, but the rest of St. John’s shot 12-for-55 from the field and 4-for-25 from three with no other player reaching double figures.
- St. John’s has blown a second-half lead in each of its five losses this season, dropping to 9-5 overall and 2-1 in the Big East.
- With Providence entering at NET 101, the home result counts as a Quad 3 loss that damages tournament prospects, which Rick Pitino summed up by saying their backs are to the wall, with road tests at Butler and Creighton ahead.
- Defensive-rebounding issues persisted as the Friars converted 15 offensive boards into 23 second-chance points, and Pitino said he will not pursue an in-season G League guard addition.