It was ugly.
It was sloppy.
It was far nearer than anticipated.
However in the long run, it was a win.
9 days after the disappointing loss to Auburn to cap a 1-2 journey to Las Vegas, St. John’s confronted one other SEC foe.
Just like the Auburn recreation, the Crimson Storm led by double digits however this time have been capable of end out the win.
Dylan Darling scored all seven of his factors within the last 4 minutes, and Zuby Ejiofor was a monster on the defensive finish as St. John’s survived a nightmarish capturing show in a 63-58 win over Ole Miss.
St. John’s led by as many as 15 within the first half and 14 deep into the second however by no means might put away the Rebels.
It led by solely 4 late, however Darling got here up massive.
Ejiofor notched a career-high eight blocks, together with 15 factors, 9 rebounds and three steals.
Malik Dia had 18 factors and 10 rebounds for Ole Miss, which has dropped 4 in a row.
St. John’s hardly resembled the crew that entered the sport ranked eighth in offensive effectivity.
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They shot 34 % from the sphere, missed 10 free throws and have been 4-of-22 from lengthy vary.
The protection was the star, forcing 20 Ole Miss turnovers, and St. John’s held the Rebels to 10 second-chance factors, a step in the suitable course.
It was a disjointed first half that noticed St. John’s lead by as many as 15, however solely take an eight-point edge into the break.
It shot solely 33 % from the sphere and dedicated eight turnovers, nevertheless it defended properly and turned 13 Ole Miss turnovers into 16 factors.
Ejofor solely scored two factors and missed all three of his discipline aim makes an attempt, however made a distinction on the opposite finish of the ground with three steals and 6 blocks.
Ian Jackson and Oziyah Sellers every scored seven factors to steer the Johnnies, who closed the half poorly.
Up 15 with 3:59 to go, St. John’s was outscored by seven the remainder of the interval.
Ole Miss twice transformed on a second likelihood, a bugaboo of the Crimson Storm to date this season.
The second half began poorly, Ole Miss rapidly getting inside 5 and creating some anxious moments.
St. John’s offense was stagnant and it couldn’t make open photographs.
However the protection refused to interrupt, and finally the lead received again as much as 14, following a Sadiku Ibine Ayo 3-pointer with 8:06 to go.
Ole Miss reeled off the following 10 factors, making it a recreation late. In crunch time, although, St. John’s was capable of make the mandatory performs to shut out the win.
