St. John’s women throttle Monmouth, 78-39, to kick off the season

The start of the season couldn’t go any better for the St. John’s women’s basketball team, who picked up a 78-39 victory against the Monmouth Hawks Monday afternoon at Carnesecca Arena.

The defense was the name of the game for the Red Storm, who held their opponent to under 40 points. The Red Storm kicked off the first quarter jumping out to a 15-0 start and holding Monmouth to just two points throughout the quarter, the program’s lowest in its history.

Khadaja Bailey led the way for the Red Storm with 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting. Transfers Jayla Everett, Mimi Reid, and Jillian Archer made their first start of the season. The three would combine with a pair of veterans to make their stamp on the contest.

The Johnnies’ defense smothered the Hawks, netting eight turnovers. The Red Storm held the Hawks to 27.9 percent shooting and 12 percent from three-point range.

The Red Storm would continue to run up the score against Monmouth behind some key plays, including a big three off a fast break from transfer Jayla Everett in the second quarter.

Unique Drake, who was big off the bench for the Red Storm with 13 points, would go to work scoring the bulk of her points throughout the third quarter.

Everett scored eight points in the first half, and 11 total in the contest. Reid led the team with four assists.

The Red Storm’s 39-point victory was the most significant opening day victory in 20 years. The Red Storm look to build off this win when they take on St. Francis (Brooklyn) on Friday at home.