Xavier, and more specifically Paul Scruggs, got out to a quick start, outscoring St. John’s 10-2 in the first three minutes. However, two turnovers helped St. John’s find their footing, as they trailed only 10-7 with 15:16 left in the first half.
St. John’s tied the game at 10-10 before Xavier buried a three to take the lead back, and were able to maintain a 18-17 lead with 9:36 to go in the first half.
Xavier was able to get their lead up to six, 25-19, but back to back defensive lapses led to back to back wide open threes for St.