STORRS, Conn. — RJ Luis Jr. contributed significantly to No. 12 St. John’s victory over No. 19 UConn, scoring six of his total 21 points in the crucial final moments of the game. This effort helped the Red Storm achieve a 68-62 comeback win, extending their winning streak to ten games on Friday night.
Kadary Richmond was instrumental for St. John’s as well, netting all of his 13 points in the second half, while Simeon Wilcher added 12 points to the mix. UConn saw Liam McNeeley lead their scoring with 18 points, supported by Solo Ball with 13 points, and Tarris Reed Jr., who contributed 12 points alongside 15 rebounds.
McNeeley made his return after missing eight consecutive games due to an ankle injury, playing a key role in a 6-0 run that allowed UConn to pull ahead by six points with just over 11 minutes remaining in the second half. However, the Huskies couldn’t consolidate their lead as St. John’s regained control with consecutive jumpers from Luis and Richmond.
UConn initially came out strong, establishing a 21-8 lead with both Ball and Stewart scoring eight points each early in the game. Despite leading by as many as 14 ultimately, the momentum shifted when Deivon Smith executed a four-point play, sparking an 8-0 run for St. John’s. Wilcher’s basket with just under three minutes left in the first half gave St. John’s its first lead of the game, and they went into halftime ahead 37-35.
During the halftime break, the Huskies inducted former player Ben Gordon, a member of the 2004 national championship team, into the Huskies of Honor.
**Takeaways**
For St. John’s, the victory was notable as they managed to win despite a tough stretch where they missed 11 consecutive shots in the second half. UConn, on the other hand, faced challenges as Ball and Stewart, who started strong, were unable to score at all in the second half after a combined total of 22 points in the opening half.
**Key Moment**
A pivotal shift in the game occurred when UConn had a four-point lead. Richmond responded with two baskets, triggering a 6-0 run for St. John’s. Ultimately, the Red Storm scored 12 consecutive points, flipping the game’s momentum in their favor.
**Key Stat**
Turnovers played a significant role in the game, with 20 points being scored off of them. Remarkably, 18 of those points were tallied by St. John’s.
**Upcoming Matches**
St. John’s will face Villanova next on Wednesday, while UConn is scheduled to play against Creighton on Tuesday.
