St. John’s basketball set to host Rider with uncertain future looming

St. John’s basketball is set to host Rider with an uncertain future looming.

One more scheduled non-conference game awaits the St. John’s basketball program before Big East play is slated to begin.

Following a romp of Stony Brook on Sunday afternoon in Queens, the Red Storm (4-1) will host Rider (0-1) on Tuesday night.

Rider had to delay the start of its season because of a COVID-19 outbreak and its first game came in the Carrier Dome against the Syracuse Orange, falling 87-52.

Only one Bronc was able to reach double-digits in the defeat as junior guard Dwight Murray Jr. posted 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals on 7-of-19 shooting from the floor and 3-of-6 from 3-point range.

Last season Rider was able to post an 18-12 record (12-8 MAAC), which was good enough to finish in third place in the regular season conference standings.

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As for St. John’s, Mike Anderson‘s team responded to its first loss of the season against BYU with a sloppy opening against the Seawolves but a strong end to the second half allowed the Johnnies to cruise to a 89-66 victory.

Rasheem Dunn (concussion) is still questionable for St. John’s as he has not played since the season opening victory over St. Peter’s.

After not being on the bench for the Red Storm’s win over La Salle, the senior guard did not travel to Connecticut for the team’s two games in ‘Bubbleville’ and was on the bench for the win over Stony Brook.

Anderson said as of Sunday that Dunn still is in the concussion protocol and has not practiced. potentially casting doubt on his chances to play on Tuesday.

St. John’s basketball is getting contributions from its veteran leaders

Despite not having Rasheem Dunn available and a roster loaded with newcomers, St. John’s has leaned on its sophomore standout Julian Champagnie and junior guard Greg Williams Jr. to lead the way.

Williams Jr. tied his career high in points with 21 against Stony Brook while Champagnie is averaging 23.3 points per game through his first three games of the season.

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The future is unknown for St. John’s following Tuesday’s game against Rider as its matchup on Friday against UConn has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests.

If no game is able to be scheduled on Friday, whether it be a Big East game or not, the Johnnies would then return to the floor on Monday, December 14 against Butler.

St. John’s and Rider will tipoff at 7:00pm EST (CBS Sports Network) from Carnesecca Arena.