Nov. 27, 2009
Final Stats
DJ Kennedy scored 19 of his 23 points in the second half to help the Red Storm rally from nine down with 17:34 to play to post a 77-68 win over Siena in a Philly Hoop Group Classic game Saturday at the Palestra. Ryan Rossiter scored a career-high 24 points in the loss for the Saints.
The Red Storm beat Siena at its own game, converting several run-outs off misses and forcing 15 turnovers, including seven from reliable point guard Ronald Moore.
Siena scored 12 of the first 14 points and controlled the action for the first 25 minutes. The Saints led 47-39 with 15:25 left when the Red Storm used a 13-2 run to grab the lead for good.
St. John's converted 63% of its second half field goals, scoring most of its points with easy transition baskets. In its first loss of the season less than a week ago here in Philadelphia, the Saints allowed Temple to shoot 67% from the field in the second half after taking a lead to the lockerroom.
The Saints received strong contributions from their front line. Rossiter completed a monster double-double with 13 rebounds and Alex Franklin had 11 points and nine boards. Ronald Moore scored 11 points, including his first two 3-pointers of the season.
St. John's did an excellent job containing Siena's wings. Edwin Ubiles and Clarence Jackson combined for 17 points but made just 6-24 field goals. Siena also continued to struggle from 3-point range (4-18) and the free throw line (12-19).
Dwight Hardy came off the bench to score 13 points to join Kennedy in double figures for St. John's which improved to 4-0 on the season.
The Saints will have a chance to get back on track when they take on Brown at 4 p.m. here tomorrow.
