Now they are waiting to know their fate.
The first half was fun, and for a brief moment after halftime, St. John’s University was even with defending national champion University of Connecticut.
But it didn’t last long. Huskies are very good, talented, and well-coached.
Now, after losing 95-90 to the top-seeded Huskies in the Big East Tournament semifinals at Rocking Garden, the fifth-seeded Johnnies will wait to see if their name is called by the selection committee. .
Most indications are they will be, but depending on how everything goes, Rick Pitino’s team could end up with Dayton in the first four.
St. John’s had a six-game winning streak snapped, but despite the loss, there were plenty of positives.
They were even with UConn until the end, trailing by eight points at the under-4 media timeout. The backcourt of Danis Jenkins and Jordan Dingle combined for 46 points, and the Johnnies outrebounded the Huskies by four points.
There just wasn’t enough.
UConn has too many weapons.
Even if it was Tristen Newton’s 25 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Cam Spencer was efficient with 20 points and nine assists. Even Alex Karaban’s 14 points couldn’t slow St. John’s down.
The Huskies shot 57% from the field and 50% from long range. Due to foul trouble, standout center Donovan Clingan also didn’t do much.
Pitino’s winning streak in the Big East Tournament, which dates back to his time at Louisville, ended at eight.
The first half was frenetic, with the sold-out crowd standing most of the way. St. John’s University (20-13) got off to a strong start, rushing to a 13-6 lead and silencing a big UW (30-3) team.
The Huskies quickly calmed down and took control. They went on a 16-5 run and were up 10 points after Newton made two free throws.
St. John’s was stunned but did not relent.
Freshman Brady Dunlap checked in and got a steal. He set up Lewis’ basket, hit a 3-point shot, and brought the crowd back to the Johnnys’ game.
It was a five-point game at intermission, with both point guards carrying their own burdens.
Newton had 20 points, six assists and four rebounds. Jenkins had 16 points and three assists. The Johnnies scored plus-two points on the glass, but UW held a 22-16 advantage in the paint even though Clingan and backup center Samson Johnson were in foul trouble.
It was a two-point game early in the second half as Connecticut started to pull away.
The 13-2 run started with an unopposed 3-pointer by Spencer, and the Huskies converted a second chance into a basket, making it 69-56 with 13:48 left in the game, forcing Pitino to call a timeout.
St. John’s didn’t let go of the proverbial rope. Dingle’s 3-point shot made it a nine-point lead. Then Lewis scored inside. With 6 minutes and 43 seconds remaining, the game was down by 7 points. The red storm never approached.
Connecticut advanced to Saturday’s title game. Pitino and the others will have to wait until Sunday night.
