Published: November 04, 2006
QUEENS, N.Y.
The St. John’s men’s basketball team was able to exhibit its
re-vamped, high-octane offense and scoring balance as it cruised to
an 82-64 victory over local NCAA Division II squad St. Thomas
Aquinas on Saturday afternoon. Led by junior transfer Avery
Patterson’s 16 point-effort, 10 Red Storm players found their way
into the scoring column and head coach Norm Roberts was able to mix
and match different combinations before a crowd of 3,779 spirited
fans at Carnesecca Arena.
“Our intensity was good tonight. I think our shot selection was
decent and we played better when we played organized,” said
Roberts. “I thought we did some good things when we threw it inside
and executed the plays. I want guys taking shots when they are open
but we still have to understand time, scoring and momentum.”
Patterson’s effort included four 3-point field goals, while
fellow newcomer Larry Wright made 3-of-4 shots from long range en
route to an 11-point performance. The rookie tandem helped St.
John’s to a 51 percent shooting effort and a 37 percent mark from
downtown. For a team that averaged 60 points per game last season
while hitting 41 percent of overall its field goals and 27 percent
from 3-point range in 2005-06, Red Storm fans were treated to
flashes of what looks like a much-improved shooting team.
Anthony Mason Jr. added 13 points, two blocks and two steals,
freshman Qa’rraan Calhoun contributed eight with a team-high eight
rebounds and junior captain Eugene Lawrence scored six with seven
assists. Daryll Hill and Tomas Jasiulionis each netted eight points
apiece for the Red Storm, which opens its regular season against
North Florida on Friday, Nov. 11, as one of the regional hosts of
the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
The Red Storm and the Spartans traded baskets in the opening
minutes. St. John’s held a 17-15 lead at the 12:25 mark in the
first half, before Wright drilled his first 3-pointer to spark what
would be an 11-0 run. Patterson, Wright and Ricky Torres combined
for seven long-distance shots made by the Red Storm in the first
half. Patterson made three 3’s in the first frame, and led the way
at halftime with 13 points. The Red Storm dictated a fast-pace
opening period, during which St. John’s shot 50.0 percent from the
field, 38.9 percent from long range and took a 47-35 lead at the
half.
St. Thomas Aquinas was able to scratch back in the second
period, bringing the score within nine at 16:45, but Mason Jr. led
the charge with nine second-half points to help put the game away.
The Red Storm put together a 9-0 run midway through the second half
thanks to the play of Mason and senior Aaron Spears, who scored six
of his seven total points down the stretch.
Senior forward Lamont Hamilton missed Saturday’s exhibition
because of a violation of team rules. Hamilton’s infraction was a
policy violation of the University’s guidelines regarding entry to
the on-campus residence halls. The preseason All-BIG EAST selection
and Wooden Award Candidate will be back in action when the Red
Storm meets North Florida in the opening round of the 2K Sports
College Hoops Classic.