Providence, RI (Sports Network) – Dwight Hardy poured in 21 points to lift the St. John’s Red Storm over the Providence Friars, 67-65, in a Big East Conference clash.
Justin Brownlee added 14 points for St. John’s (9-3, 2-0 Big East), which received 13 points from Justin Burrell.
Marshon Brooks posted 20 points in the disappointing loss for Providence (11-4, 0-2). Vincent Council added 14 points and six assists for the Friars, who received 11 points from Gerard Coleman.
St. John’s shot 50 percent from the floor in the first half and limited Providence to 32.1 percent efficiency en route to a 28-24 lead at intermission.
The Red Storm shot an even more efficient 55.6 percent in the second half and held on for the narrow triumph.
St. John’s scored twice as many bench points as Providence (24-12). The Red Storm also scored 48 of their 67 points in the paint.