In their return to the national rankings, Rick Pitino and his St. John's team didn't exactly look ready for prime time. Deivon Smith drained a 3-pointer midway through the second half to spark an 18-0 spurt that propelled No. 22 St. John's past Wagner 66-45 on Wednesday night for its first victory as a Top 25 team in almost 10 years. “I’m impressed, even though we’re much more talented than Wagner,” said Pitino, the Hall of Fame coach in his second season with the Red Storm.
Jean Aranguren had 13 points in Hofstra's 49-48 victory over Seton Hall on Wednesday night. Aranguren also contributed six assists for the Pride (3-0). Jaquan Sanders added 12 points and Cruz Davis finished with nine points.
Blake Harper scored seven of his 18 points in overtime to help Howard beat Tennessee State 88-84 on Wednesday night. Brandon Weston made a pair of free throws for Tennessee State with 10 seconds left and Howard's Marcus Dockery missed a jumper to force overtime tied 75-all. Harper opened the extra period with consecutive 3-pointers and added a free throw as Howard outscored Tennessee State 13-9.
Playing without senior guard Erik Pratt, the Panthers had their doors blown off by a second straight mid-major opponent in Longwood.