This was the team that looked so impressive against Rutgers, the team that rallied to take down Atlantic 10 contender VCU. But it was also the team that needed to stage a furious comeback against Bowling Green and struggled with winless Mount St. Mary’s
For every impressive stretch, there was a frustrating one. Every quality possession, a quick shot. Every strong defensive stand, a missed assignment.
The record remained perfect, after Sunday’s 89-74 victory over Princeton at the Garden, but issues remain, as the Johnnies continued to fail to put the hammer down on inferior opponents. Consistency is still eluding this talented group, one of nine undefeated teams left in the country.
“I think we have a lot of improvement [to make], which is exciting to me,” St. John’s coach Chris Mullin said.
Starters LJ Figueroa, Marvin Clark II and Justin Simon began the game on the bench — they were disciplined for being late Sunday morning, according to a source — and a lackluster first half followed. The Red Storm led by only three despite shooting 57 percent from the field, the result of allowing the Tigers (4-4) to make 9-of-18 3-pointers.
Mullin declined to address sitting his starters, describing it as a coach’s decision. But when asked if the message he wanted was delivered, he smiled and said it was. At halftime, a similar message was sent.
A different team showed up in the second half, a far more active, ball-moving, defensively attentive unit. The extra pass became prevalent, the 3-point line was guarded far better. A 26-8 run led to a 19-point lead following a Shamorie Ponds three-point play. St. John’s (9-0), which is off to its best start since 1990-91, had 10 assists in the second half after just four in the first 20 minutes and it held Princeton to just 4-of-13 from deep in the second stanza.
“When we get stops and get out and share [the ball], we’re pretty exciting,” Mullin said. “We’re working towards being more consistent. We see the potential. I think everyone understands — the players understand — what the difference is [when we’re playing well and when we aren’t]. That’s the exciting part to me. We see what we can do. Doing it more consistently is our next step.”
The game seemed in hand after the big run. But it wasn’t. Mullin went deep into his bench and the focus and defensive intensity vanished. So did all the extra passing. Sloppy passes and loose possessions returned.
Princeton found room again at the 3-point line, getting within six with 3:41 left. Ponds (26 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals) and Simon (11 points, five rebounds, four assists) made sure disaster was averted, answering with consecutive baskets to push the lead back to double figures. Princeton wouldn’t score again.
“Something so simple as realizing the game isn’t over [is important],” said Clark, who had 13 points and eight rebounds. “We got a little lax, started trying to have too much fun on the break. Once we get that lead and start stepping on guys’ throats, that’s when we’ll reach our full potential.”
For now, that potential has escaped St. John’s. Still, the undefeated season continues. But challenges await. The Big East season is less than three weeks away. The Johnnies’ play will have to pick up by then if they want to avoid another slow start in the league.
“I feel like we have a lot to improve on,” Ponds said, “and we have to keep pushing.”
