“Everybody knows that this is a new team and we’re still a work in process,” Johnnies forward
God’sgift Achiuwa said. “We learn every day, and as Coach Lavin and Coach Dunlap emphasize, we’re going to face different opponents. What we need to do is learn every day, and become better players.”
Steve Lavin missed the game as he recovers from prostate cancer surgery, and
Mike Dunlap coached the team in his absence.
St. John’s (4-3) continues to play with just eight scholarship players — including one former walk-on — after three players were declared academically ineligible in September. They are hoping to get 6-7 wing
Amir Garrett eligible for the second semester in December.
No. 2 Kentucky (6-0), meanwhile, remained undefeaed after routing Portland, 87-63, behind 19 points apiece from
Darius Miller and
Terrence Jones.
Anthony Davis added 13 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.
One of the key storylines to come out of that game was that Miller, the senior, could soon replace freshman
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the former Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick star, in the starting lineup. It’s possible Miller could start against St. John’s.
“ Michael Gilchrist came into me and said if I need to come in off the bench for Darius, I will. I have absolutely no problem,” said Kentucky coach John Calipari.
Miller said his role doesn’t matter.
“I’m not really worried about coming off the bench or starting or whatever,” Miller said. “We don’t have time to worry about that. We’ve got a lot of things we need to correct before we try to make a run at a national championship.”
(The AP contributed)
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