Dwight Hardy scored 28 points as St. John’s boosted its NCAA tournament resume with an 80-68 win Tuesday at Marquette.
The Red Storm (16-9, 8-5 Big East) have now won three games in six days after also beating No. 10 Connecticut and Cincinnati.
St. John’s D.J. Kennedy scored 15 points, Justin Brownlee added 11 and Justin Burrell added 10 points and 12 rebounds as the Red Storm overcame a seven-point deficit early in the second half.
The Red Storm improved to 4-3 on the road in Big East play and is 7-6 overall in games played away from home.
“I am really proud of our kids to be able to win two games in a three day stretch, which is very difficult to do in the Big East,” said head coach Steve Lavin.
“Coming into this game we talked about it simulating NCAA tournament conditions. The quick turnaround time and having to play two high quality opponents like Cincinnati and Marquette gives you the opportunity to rehearse for NCAA tournament conditions. I thought our players put together two consecutive games, and now, five out of six, where there was a sustained level of effort and degree of execution that was impressive. I was really pleased for our players.”
Jimmy Butler scored 21 points, but the NCAA tournament hopes of Marquette (15-11, 6-7) may be fading because of this 2-5 stretch even though the Golden Eagles play three of their final five at home.
(The AP contributed)
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