NEW YORK โ Zuby Ejiofor had a standout performance for St. Johnโs, achieving career-best statistics with 28 points and 13 rebounds, as the Red Storm showcased an impressive offensive display after halftime to defeat Kansas State 88-71 in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Saturday.
Ejiofor shot 11-for-17 from the field, while Kadary Richmond contributed 13 points. Additionally, RJ Luis Jr. and bench player Simeon Wilcher scored 11 points each for St. Johnโs, which improved to 7-2 for the season. The team dominated the boards, securing a 51-40 rebound advantage, and also outperformed the Wildcats in assists with a 17-10 ratio.
Kansas State received solid contributions from Brendan Hausen, who tallied 27 points with 21 of those coming before halftime. David NโGuessan scored 15 points, while Coleman Hawkins added 11 points and nearly reached a double-double with nine rebounds. The Wildcats now hold a 6-3 record.
The game featured several momentum shifts, especially in the second half where St. Johnโs broke away. The Red Storm initiated an 18-5 scoring run within the first 4.5 minutes of the half, moving ahead 53-44 after successive 3-pointers from Luis and Aaron Scott. A 3-pointer from Ruben Prey extended St. Johnโs lead to 62-50 with just over 11 minutes left, allowing them to maintain a lead of ten points or more for the rest of the game. St. Johnโs explosive second half ended with 53 points scored.
The first half was marked by notable scoring runs from both teams. St. Johnโs managed to shift a sluggish start, going on a 12-1 run to turn a 16-7 deficit into a 19-17 lead, marking their first advantage of the game. However, Kansas State answered back with a remarkable 14-2 rally, highlighted by three 3-pointers from Hausen and another from Max Jones, resulting in a 31-21 lead for the Wildcats. St. Johnโs regrouped with an 8-0 run that brought them within three points at 31-28 with 3:42 remaining in the first half. Kansas State led 39-35 as both teams headed into the locker room.
This matchup was a historical encounter, being the first time St. Johnโs and Kansas State faced each other since December 10, 1965, a game in which St. Johnโs, then coached by Lou Carnesseca, emerged victorious with a score of 72-65. Celebrated coach Carnesecca recently passed away at the age of 99 on November 30.