Ponds and Clark II Lead St. John's into Gavitt Games

Jamaica, NY--A tradition that began three years ago when the old Big East became the new Big East and decided to lose football, and keep only basketball. The St. John's Red Storm (2-0) play host to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their first road game (2-0)


The Chris Mullin-led Red Storm come into the third annual Gavitt Tipoff Games averaging 78 points-per-game. Both victories came against Central Connecticut, last night. And an opening night victory versus New Orleans. The Johnnies scored at least 75 points in the opening two games. Redshirt sophomore Marcus LoVett was honored on the Big East Honor Roll after the standout performance versus Central Connecticut (23 points, 4 steals, 3 assists). Currently, all five starters are averaging double digit points per game.


Once a familiar foe, in starting forward for the Cornhuskers, Isaac Copeland, who played his freshman year with the John Thompson led Georgetown Hoyas. Copeland, transferred to Nebraska, where he got a chance to start and show off his talent in the Big Ten Conference.

Led by Illinois junior guard, Glynn Watson Jr., who leads the squad with 18 PPG, the Cornhuskers come into Queens opening up their road season.


Nebraska, and head coach Tim Miles, head to New York with two victories that include a nail-biter over Eastern Illinois by four, as they defeated the central school 72-68. Also, handed North Texas a rough loss this past Saturday, 86-67 at home. A total of four Cornhuskers are averaging double digit points per game (Watson Jr., Palmer Jr., Taylor, Roby)


Potential Starters for Nebraska Cornhuskers


G-Glynn Watson Jr.

G- James Palmer Jr.

G- Evan Taylor

F- Isaac Copeland

C- Jordy Tshimanga


As for the St. John's Red Storm, defense has been a bright spot in their first two games of the season. As a team, the Johnnies has been fierce, with 21 turnovers forced in EACH of the matchups they've played in. Currently, the Johnnies are averaging a +8.5 turnover margin. LoVett leads the way with five total steals up to date, with his counterpart Shamorie Ponds trailing him by one with four.


Potential Starting Lineup for St. John's Red Storm


G- Shamorie Ponds

G- Marcus LoVett

G- Justin Simon

F- Marvin Clark II

F- Bashir Ahmed


This matchup, along with the other games across the country, will be in honor the legacy of Big East founder Dave Gavitt. The Tipoff games highlights some of the storied programs, and tributes the legacy of a man, who changed the game of basketball both in college and professional, not only the NBA. The game can be seen on FS1 beginning at 6:30pm, and can be heard on WSJU St. John's University Radio Network, with tip off at the above time from Queens.

Joseph Jarzynka