St. John’s newcomers shine brightly on opening night

St. John’s won its 14th-straight home opener Friday night with a 77-61 victory over New Orleans in front of 4,921 fans at Carnesecca Arena, with the three newcomers impressing in their first official action on the court.

After sitting out last season due to NCAA regulations, a pair of transfers immediately played a huge part for the Red Storm in the season opener. Having scored 15 points just twice in 69 games at Michigan State, Marvin Clark II matched that career-high in his first game as a Johnny, sinking five of his six shots from the floor, including both of his tries from beyond the three-point arc. He also dished out two assists and grabbed two steals in 29 minutes.

In 33 minutes of action, Justin Simon, the Arizona transfer, finished his first game with St. John’s one point shy of his career high with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting. He also registered four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Bryan Trimble Jr., the freshman guard from Kansas City, played a total of 10 minutes in his debut for the Red Storm, finishing with 3 points off of 1-2 shooting from behind the arc.

Can they continue to hit new highs?

The Red Storm hope so, as the team looks to improve to 2-0 for the fourth-straight season and the sixth time in the last seven years when the Central Connecticut Blue Devils visit Carnesecca Arena tonight.