03.02.22

Colby Jones, Jack Nunge, Nate Johnson hit double figures

QUEENS, N.Y. – Colby Jones, Jack Nunge and Nate Johnson, in his first game back from an injury, all hit double figures but Xavier fell 81-66 at St. John’s after the Red Storm pulled away late at Carnesecca Arena on Wednesday evening.

Xavier moved to 17-12 overall and 7-11 in BIG EAST play, while the Red Storm moved to 16-13 overall and 8-10 in the BIG EAST.

FIRST HALF RECAP

• After hitting on 2-of-4 to open the game, the Musketeers missed their next 13 shot, but grabbed seven offensive boards during that stretch and limiting St. John’s to just two baskets during that drought, withe the Red Storm taking a 11-5 lead in the first eight minutes of the game.
• St. John’s led by as many as eight, 15-7, before Xavier scored seven straight to pull back within one, 15-14, with 8:26 left in the half.
• The Red Storm would push the lead back out to six before Xavier outscored the SJU 8-2 over the next 2:30 to tie the game, 22-22, five minutes before halftime. 
• A pair of threes from the Red Storm helped SJU extend the lead back out to four, going into the break with Xavier trailing 33-29.
• Nate Johnson led Xavier with six first half points after hitting a pair of threes.
• Paul Scruggs, Jack Nunge and Zach Freemantle each had five points in the first half.
• Xavier shot just 28.2 percent from the floor and 3-of-12 from three, but held St. John’s to 36.4 percent shooting and 3-of-11 from three. 
• SJU had a 27-25 advantage on the boards, but Xavier led 9-5 on the offensive glass. Jack Nunge had seven rebounds in the first half.

SECOND HALF RECAP

• Xavier was outscored 11-5 to open the second half, falling behind 44-34 with 17 minutes remaining, St. John’s first double-digit lead.
• St. John’s lead by as many as 12 in the first 10 minutes of the second half before Xavier went on an 11-2 run, getting the lead down to one-possession, 52-49, with eight minutes to play. 
•  Five quick points from St. John’s pushed the deficit back to eight, and Xavier would get no closer than six the rest of the way.
• SJU’s Julian Champagnie scored eight straight points and Posh Alexander added nine for the Red Storm late to help SJU build the lead. out to as many as 16 late, before winning 81-66.
• Colby Jones had nine points in the second half to lead Xavier. Jack Nunge added seven.
• SJU finished with a 17-16 advantage on the boards. Jack Nunge grabbed four to lead Xavier.

NOTABLES

• Colby Jones led the Musketeers for a second-straight game, finishing with 13 points.
• Jack Nunge finished with a double-double, scoring 12 and grabbing 11 rebounds.
• Nate Johnson returned to action, scoring 11 points, including connecting on three outside shots.
• SJU had a 30-10 advantage on fast break points.
• St. John’s led 44-41 on the boards overall. Xavier had a 15-6 advantage on the offensive glass, but the Red Storm finished with a 12-9 advantage on second-chance points.

COURTESY XAVIER ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS