St. John's basketball flashes potential in gritty comeback against No. 25 Rutgers

All the makings of a really good team were on display Thursday night in Piscataway for St. John's basketball.

Not only did the Red Storm pull out a road victory, 91-85, against No. 25 Rutgers, but they did it the hard way.

The Johnnies overcame a 13-point first half deficit in which the Scarlet Knights rattled off a 22-0 run in addition to trailing by 12 points in the second half with less than 13 minutes remaining.

Its comeback was spearheaded by its captain, Zuby Ejiofor, who dominated a weak Rutgers frontcourt for 27 points and 13 rebounds. Back-to-back baskets by Ejiofor with three minutes to go tied the game at 83 before a breakaway dunk with three seconds remaining put the exclamation point on the win.

RJ Luis, who continued to impress after double shin surgery this offseason, gave the Johnnies the lead at the free throw line with 2:09 left and would never look back. It capped a 22-point effort for him in which he showcased his new shooting form, making both 3-pointers he attempted.

"When he moves without the basketball, he's lethal," Rick Pitino said after the victory.

"He's a lethal passer, he's unguardable, he's a great offensive rebounder. Just as good of a player as I've coached."

The spotlight shined on the Scarlet Knights superstar freshmen, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, who combined for 45 points, but with Rutgers trailing by one, 86-85, Utah transfer Deivon Smith poked Harper's pocket and drew a foul at the other end which allowed the Red Storm to push its lead to three.

Rutgers took advantage of first half foul trouble from Seton Hall transfer Kadary Richmond that led to its massive run , but he controlled the pace of the game in the second half and finished with nine points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

St. John's outscored Rutgers 55-41 in the second half while shooting 57.1-percent from the floor (20-of-35) and 50-percent (4-of-8) from 3-point range.

"We were just trying to dribble too much [in the first half]. In the second half, we started passing the ball, moving the ball, cutting, and it was a thing of beauty to watch," Pitino continued.

"I think this team has a very high ceiling."

The Red Storm have one more exhibition game against Towson on Saturday, October 26 (12:00 p.m. ET) before it begins the regular season against Fordham on Monday, November 4.