St. John’s captured a thriller. The Big East runner up knocked off PAC 12 champion USC 71-68 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Knoxville. The Red Storm face Tennessee on Monday. Senior captain Briana Brown hit the winning three pointer just prior to the first overtime buzzer for the victory. The efficiency numbers per the NBA/WNBA formula for those with ten or more minutes.
|
Efficiency |
A. Thompson |
24 |
k. Langley |
14 |
A. Handford |
11 |
J. Walker |
9 |
E. McPherson |
7 |
S. Archer |
2 |
B. Brown |
-1 |
D Grant |
-2 |
The game stats saw St. John’s ‘lose’ the efficiency. It is rare for a team to come up short in offensive efficiency and ge the win. St. John’s coach Joe Tartamella will gladly take the game W in lieu of offensive efficiency. Red Storm had 76 possessions to USC’s 73:
Offensive Efficiency: USC 94 St. John’s 93
Of the Four Factors, St. John’s showed a very high 25% turnover rate to the 18% of USC. It was a parade to the line as both teams enjoyed high FT rates. St. John’s had the edge, 61-52%.
Individually, Thompson shot 5 of 7 from the floor with a game high 17 boards. Handford led all scorers with 27 but was 8 for 21 shooting with 4 turnovers. Langley shot 4 of 6, scored 9 points, blocked 2 shots and had 2 steals in 29 minutes. Brown was I negative numbers due to 1 of 6 shooting. All is ‘forgiven’ as her one FG provided three points and the game winner.