St. John’s Squanders First Half Lead, Falls to Creighton 81-78

St. John’s fades in the second half and drops its second game to Creighton, 81-78.

With optimism swelling after winning the last two against Xavier and Butler, the Red Storm seemed poised to have a shot at playing their way out of the first round of the Big East Tournament. However, the optimism likely turns back to despair after the close game version of the Johnnies reared its head.

This game marked the return of Rafael Pinzon, who had been sidelined since the December 18 game against Pitt.

The first 12 minutes of the game were underwhelming by the Red Storm. The Johnnies missed the first 6 attempts from beyond the arc and Creighton was able to take advantage to the tune of a 9-point lead…