St. John’s basketball looking to jump start offense against Dayton

The St. John’s basketball team will be looking to jump start its offense against Dayton

As the St. John’s basketball team prepares to face Dayton, the drama unfolds with every dribble and every shot.

In a tale of grit and resilience, Dayton is poised for a showdown against the Red Storm in the Charleston Classic semifinals. Riding high after a heart-stopping comeback win over LSU, 70-67, the Flyers are eager to continue their early-season success.

St. John’s path to the Charleston Classic semifinals mirrors Dayton’s, as they, too, faced adversity in the first round.

A hard-fought battle against North Texas saw the Red Storm narrowly escape with a 53-52 victory, sealing the win with a late defensive stop. The close call adds an extra layer of anticipation for St. John’s fans, who know the challenges their team overcame to secure a spot in the semifinals.

ALSO READ: Daniss Jenkins not worried about turnover issues

An exhilarating 15-point comeback against LSU marked Dayton’s journey to the semifinals. With just nine minutes on the clock, the Flyers erased the deficit, fueled by a remarkable 19-2 spurt. Nate Santos etched his name in Dayton’s history books with a game-winning three-pointer, securing the victory with a mere 4.1 seconds remaining. Santos led the charge with 19 points, complemented by the dynamic contributions of Javon Bennett and Koby Brea.

St. John’s basketball defense will have tall challenge with Flyers

As the Flyers gear up for the St. John’s challenge, the spotlight shines on preseason favorite DaRon Holmes II. Named to various preseason watch lists and earning First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors, Holmes has been a force to be reckoned with.

Unfortunately, the team faces the absence of Malachi Smith, a crucial guard who underwent season-ending surgery following a knee injury during its season opening victory.

Dayton’s performance isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s a collective effort showcased in their team stats. Averaging 66.3 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 44.1-percent, the Flyers are a well-rounded force on the court.

ALSO READ: St. John’s looking to give more minutes to 4-star freshman

Their coordinated efforts have led to an impressive 31 rebounds per game and a noteworthy assist-to-turnover ratio led by Kobe Elvis. These statistics, woven into the fabric of their gameplay, illustrate the Flyers’ commitment to a harmonious and effective team dynamic.

The upcoming clash against St. John’s holds its intrigue. The Red Storm narrowly escaped with a victory over the North Texas Mean Green, and Dayton will look to exploit any signs of a stagnant offense that plagued their opponents in the last two games. As the Flyers aim to advance in the Charleston Classic, the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two teams hungry for success.

St. John’s is not just looking for a win; they seek redemption and validation on the court.

The quest for championship glory is a shared dream among the players, the coaching staff, and the devoted fan base. With every jump shot and defensive stand, the Red Storm aims to soar to greater heights and etch its compelling narrative in the ongoing Charleston Classic saga.