St. John’s at Butler: live game thread

Out in Indianapolis, the Red Storm, try their hand at something they have not seen since December — a winning streak.

With a tough stretch in their final five games — then again, what stretch in the talented Big East is forgiving? — St. John’s look to nearly clinch a .500 record on the season*. Maybe that’s less than what some fans expected, but given the staff and talent turnover, that’s a solid achievement.

*If St. John’s goes to the NIT or CIT/ CBI after winning only one game in their next three, the Red Storm could still end up with a losing record.

As a bonus, the Johnnies will welcome back forward Ian Steere from his suspension from the team. While he has only played 17 minutes for St. John’s — and 22 minutes in his career — he is the kind of athletic big body who, if properly focused, could shore up a clear deficiency for the Red Storm, size inside.

The Red Storm may or may not have Josh Roberts tonight, a gametime decision after a shoulder injury sustained early against Creighton on Sunday.

Game Information

Who: St. John’s Red Storm (15-14, 4-12 Big East) vs. RV/ #25 Butler Bulldogs (20-9, 8-8 Big East)

When: Wednesday, March 4, 7:00 PM

Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

TV: CBS Sports Network | CBS Sports Online

Audio: St. John’s website provides free audio for the game: here.

Tickets: Tickets can be obtained for as low as $12.

Last Meeting: St. John’s fell behind by 23 points before a furious comeback, but they lost in the last minute, 60-58. The Johnnies were held to one field goal in the last four minutes of the game at Carnesecca. Can they close this one out if it is competitive?

Last Big East game: St. John’s knocked off Creighton at home, 91-71, led by some explosive shooting and a breakout game from Greg Williams, Jr.

Butler, coming off of a beating at the hands of Creighton, demolished DePaul, 60-42 — the fewest points Butler has allowed in a Big East game.