Game #8, St. John's 68 vs. Hawai'i 62, Bonus Post

From the Honolulu Advertiser:

"We've never had a problem in our home gym, but we're struggling now a little bit," said Bobby Nash, who went 0 for 6 from long-range yesterday. "But that's no excuse."

In contrast, the Red Storm shot 60 percent from the field yesterday, including 71.4 percent (15 of 21) in the first half. Most of the St. John's baskets came off drives to the rim.

St. John's head coach Norm Roberts said it was part of his game plan to beat the Hawai'i defenders with one-on-one drives.

"We thought we could spread them out ... and maybe our foot speed would be a factor for us," Roberts said. "And it was. Once we got the court spread, we were able to beat them off the bounce."

Nineteen of St. John's 24 field goals came from within five feet of the rim. Anthony Mason Jr. led the Red Storm with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting. D.J. Kennedy and Justin Burrell added 12 points each — and Burrell threw in a powerful windmill dunk for the highlight reel.

"We've played against a lot of great players," Bobby Nash said. "Down the line, they're the most athletic team we've played."