St. John’s springs back with second half flurry to beat Providence, 81-67

Team huddle Brenden Willsch St. John’s sweeps Providence for the first time in six years with a 81-67. The Red Storm, who had four in double figures and two players with double doubles, improve to 15-10, 9-9 in the Big East. Providence drops to 12-12, 8-10 in the league.

St. John’s entered the game knowing their star guard Posh Alexander was going to sit with his wrist injury. The team needed the win to get a chance at a bye on the first day of the Big East Tournament — in the new league configuration, the bottom six teams have to play on the first day, while the top five rest an extra night.

The beginning of the game, after eight days off from the last game (a loss at Villanova) was a…