Top-seeded St. John’s posted a 78-57 win over Butler Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
With the win, the Red Storm (28-4) advance to Friday’s semifinals and will meet either Marquette or Xavier. St. John’s is ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, in this week’s national polls.
Butler is 14-19 on the season.
OF NOTE:
After Butler cut the Red Storm lead to eight (39-31) with 18:16 remaining in the contest, St. John’s scored 14 of the next 15 points to take a commanding 53-32 advantage with 13:59 to play.
BIG EAST Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. led St. John’s with 20 points; Kadary Richmond and Aaron Scott each scored 15.
Butler was led Patrick McCaffery, who hit four three-pointers on his way to 16 points; Jahmyl Telfort scored 11 points, while Finley Bizjack added 10 points.
The St. John’s defense held Butler to 35-percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers. The Red Storm converted those turnovers into 24 points.
St. John’s shot 47 percent from the field and had 44 points in the paint.
St. John’s held a 44-35 rebounding advantage, led by eight from Richmond.