Game thread: St. John's at Xavier

Today, St. John's tackles another strong conference foe, facing the Xavier Musketeers on the road at the Cintas Center at 2:30 pm eastern.

The game will be on Fox Sports 1.

The Red Storm had won three straight before falling to the Creighton Bluejays at Carnesecca Arena three days ago, but the schedule gives no breaks.

Which is good, because St. John's responded badly to two of the more beatable opponents on their schedule, losing to a pair of low-level opponents.

Expect Xavier to play tough defense and try to slow Shamorie Ponds in particular. St. John's needs strong performances from Ponds and LoVett, and for Bashir Ahmed to step his game up against the interchangeable size of the Musketeers on defense. Malik Ellison and Kassoum Yakwe will have opportunities to make plays as well.

Can St. John's get to the line? Can they slow Xavier's scoring on the road? Can the big men stay on the floor? The Johnnies have a chance at another upset on the road today, but will need to play a nearly perfect game to pull it off.