After a slow start, St. John's rolls to a 97-71 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas

Even with Chris Obekpa inactive, St. John's was able to handily defeat St. Thomas Aquinas, 97-71, in their final exhibition game. D`Angelo Harrison was the anchor for the Johnnies as he put up 19 points and 10 rebounds. Phil Greene added 21 points while Sir`Dominic Pointer was a force in the paint scoring 13 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and blocking 5 shots.

Coming off a triple double in the first exhibition game, Chris Obekpa did not play because of a slightly sprained ankle. He was seen on the bench in street clothes. Felix Balamou also did not play. He too has a slightly sprained ankle.

Steve Lavin gave Adonis Delarosa his first minutes of the season with Obekpa out and he took advantage. The freshman showed off some impressive post moves as he scored 8 points to go along with 4 boards.

Despite trailing 26-17 in the 1^st half, it was a much-improved performance today for the Red Storm. After 21 turnovers in the opening exhibition matchup, the team controlled the ball and they were able to create multiple fast break opportunities. Rebounding will be the weakness this season but today they were able to control the glass, out-rebounding the Spartans 44 to 38.

St. John's shot 50 percent from the three point line including seven combined from Harrison and Greene.

The Johnnies take the court for their regular season opener next Friday at 7 pm against NJIT at Carnesecca Arena.

Rumble will have coverage throughout the week leading up to the game.