In a thrilling matchup, St. John's showcased their resilience and determination, securing a hard-fought 79-73 victory against the Mountaineers. Despite their struggles at the rim, the Red Storm's dominant rebounding performance proved to be the game-changer. Join me as we delve into the details of this exciting contest and explore how St. John's overcame their shooting challenges to emerge triumphant.
Dominant Rebounding Performance
St. John's prowess on the boards proved crucial in their victory
St. John's showcased their dominance on the glass, grabbing an impressive 18 offensive rebounds against the Mountaineers. This relentless effort on the boards not only provided the Red Storm with numerous second-chance opportunities but also demoralized their opponents.
Joel Soriano, in particular, stood out with his exceptional rebounding skills, contributing 9 rebounds to go along with his impressive 24 points. His ability to secure offensive rebounds and convert them into points was instrumental in St. John's victory.
The team's commitment to crashing the boards and their relentless pursuit of rebounds played a significant role in their success, ultimately tipping the scales in their favor.
Overcoming Shooting Challenges
St. John's resilience in the face of shooting struggles
Despite their struggles at the rim and a below-average shooting performance from beyond the arc, St. John's found a way to overcome their shooting challenges and secure the win.
Chris Ledlum and Glen Taylor Jr. have been the main culprits for the team's poor rim scoring efficiency. However, Ledlum showcased improvement in this game, contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out. His performance provided a much-needed boost for the Red Storm.
In addition, the team's ability to capitalize on second chance points, courtesy of their offensive rebounds, helped compensate for their shooting woes. The resilience and determination displayed by St. John's in the face of adversity were commendable.
Key Contributions from Bench Players
The bench players stepping up in crucial moments
With foul trouble affecting key players like Joel Soriano and Daniss Jenkins, the bench players had to step up and deliver for St. John's. Surprisingly, it was Chris Ledlum who fouled out first, but not before making a significant impact with his 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The depth of the Red Storm's roster was on full display as nine different players contributed with at least one offensive rebound in this game. This collective effort from the bench players proved vital in securing the victory.
The ability of the bench players to seamlessly integrate into the game and make meaningful contributions showcased the team's overall strength and depth.
Nahiem Alleyne's Clutch Shot
Alleyne's game-sealing shot and St. John's resilience
In the closing moments of the game, Nahiem Alleyne stepped up and hit a clutch shot, extending St. John's lead to seven points with only 20 seconds remaining. This pivotal shot not only sealed the victory for the Red Storm but also highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The Mountaineers attempted a comeback strategy by fouling, but St. John's remained composed and ultimately emerged victorious.
Alleyne's heroics showcased the team's ability to rely on different players in crucial moments, making them a formidable force to reckon with.
Individual Performances
Standout performances from key players
Joel Soriano led the way for St. John's with an impressive 24 points and 9 rebounds. His dominant presence in the paint and ability to finish at the rim were crucial in securing the victory.
Chris Ledlum's performance cannot be overlooked, as he contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists before fouling out. His impact on both ends of the court was invaluable.
Nahiem Alleyne also made his presence felt with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, including the game-sealing shot. These standout performances from key players played a significant role in St. John's triumph.
On the opposing side, Quin Slazinski led the Mountaineers with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Jesse Edwards contributed 15 points and 6 rebounds.
