No. 20 St. John’s Knock off Xavier in OT
By Musketeer Madness, 1/23/2025

Ryan Conwell scored a team-high 21 points, leading three Musketeers in double figures, as Xavier came up short in a hard-fought 79-71 overtime loss to No. 20 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. With the loss, Xavier dropped to 12-8 overall and 4-5 in BIG EAST play, while St. John’s improved to 17-3 and 8-1 in the conference.

The Musketeers started strong, building a 40-30 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and tough defense. Conwell was the offensive catalyst, knocking down four three-pointers and keeping Xavier’s offense flowing. Dailyn Swain contributed 16 points and five rebounds, providing crucial inside scoring, while Zach Freemantle added 14 points and five rebounds.

St. John’s, however, stormed back in the second half. Kadary Richmond fueled the Red Storm’s rally with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. St. John’s shot a blistering 60.9% from the field in the second half, led by Zuby Ejiofor and RJ Luis Jr., who each added 16 points. A 7-0 run late in regulation tied the game at 65, forcing overtime after Xavier missed a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds.

In the overtime period, St. John’s carried its momentum, scoring 14 points and holding Xavier to just six. Ejiofor dominated the paint, finishing with eight rebounds and a crucial layup that gave the Red Storm a seven-point lead with two minutes remaining. Xavier struggled offensively in the extra period, shooting just 1-of-6 from the field and committing two costly turnovers.

Despite the loss, Xavier’s defensive intensity shone at times, recording 10 steals and six blocks. Freemantle was a standout on defense with four blocks, but foul trouble hampered his ability to dominate late in the game. Turnovers proved to be a difference-maker, as St. John’s converted 17 points off Xavier’s 14 turnovers.

The loss marked Xavier’s third in its last four games, as they continue to battle for consistency in a competitive BIG EAST. Head coach Sean Miller expressed pride in his team’s fight but acknowledged the need for sharper execution.

St. John’s depth was on full display, with Richmond, Luis Jr., and Simeon Wilcher all playing critical roles. Wilcher added 16 points, including clutch free throws in overtime, while Aaron Scott chipped in with five points and key defensive stops. The Red Storm held a 37-30 advantage on the boards, with 11 offensive rebounds that led to 20 second-chance points.

The Musketeers will look to bounce back this Saturday when they host UConn at the Cintas Center. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX, as Xavier aims to protect home court and improve its standing in the BIG EAST. With a packed crowd expected, the Musketeers hope to feed off the energy and regain their footing in conference play.




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