James Akinjo scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half of the Hoyas’ victory
MBB Minute – St. John’s Wins First Game of Mike Anderson Era; League Teams Go 4-0
The first night of the Mike Anderson Era was an impressive success as St. John’s had little trouble with Mercer, posting a comfortable 109-79 victory under their new head coach at Carnesecca Arena. Butler, DePaul and Georgetown also posted wins Wednesday to lift the BIG EAST overall record to 11-0 in the young season.
The 109 points for St. John’s was the program’s highest point total in more than 20 years. Mustapha Heron scored a game-high 25 points and L.J. Figueroa added 18 points and four steals. Sophomore forward Marcellus Earlington took advantage of an enhanced role by recording 17 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes.
Butler’s list of available players going into its season opener against IUPUI was a short one, and then all-conference guard Kamar Baldwin and guard Campbell Donovan were injured in the first five minutes and did not return. Down to six healthy players, the Bulldogs nevertheless persevered and produced a convincing 80-47 victory. Sean McDermott took the lead, scoring 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range.
While Butler had to deal who couldn’t be on the court, Georgetown struggled on the floor before pulling away for an 81-68 victory over Mount St. Mary’s. The Hoyas found themselves down 46-27 early in the second half, before a 29-10 run over 7:31 tied the game 56-56. But Mount St. Mary’s regained a six-point advantage before Georgetown closed the game with a 20-1 run. James Akinjo scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half and center Omer Yurtseven had 20 points and 12 rebounds in his Hoya debut.
In its second game in two nights, DePaul pulled away late in the first half from Univ. of Chicago and recorded an 84-55 victory at Wintrust Arena. Transfer guard Charlie Moore led four Blue Demons in double figures with 17 points. Freshman guard Markese Jacobs added 16 points. Jaylen Butz finished with 14 points and six rebounds.
Thursday is dark on the BIG EAST schedule before Friday’s two-game slate. DePaul’s busy week continues at home against Fairleigh Dickinson on FS2 at 8 p.m. ET. Xavier will be aiming for a 2-0 start when it hosts Siena at Xavier on FSN at 7 p.m.