The absence of wing D.J. Kennedy was rather apparent on the offensive end for St. John's, but it was their defense that played a larger role in their 86-71 loss to Gonzaga. The Bulldogs shot 54% from the field and 66.7% from three in the win, moving on to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Dwight Hardy led the Red Storm with 26 points and three other starters scored in double figures.
Justin Brownlee (14 points), Dwayne Polee Jr. (12) and Paris Horne (11) were the other players to reach double figures, but with just four points from the bench St. John's was fighting an uphill battle. There will be heavy roster turnover given the loss of 10 seniors, but with one of the best recruiting classes in America coming in the Red Storm will be a team to watch.