Mar 11, 2009 - 7:45 AM
0 shoutsSt. John's (16-16) at No. 21 Marquette (23-8) 2:00 p.m. EST
NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Marquette finished the regular season reeling after losing senior guard Dominic James, dropping four straight games and losing the double bye in the Big East tournament.
The 21st-ranked Golden Eagles will aim to return to their winning ways and gain some momentum for the NCAA Tournament Wednesday when they take on St. John's in the second round at Madison Square Garden.
James was lost for the season after breaking a bone in his left foot early in a 93-82 loss to Connecticut on February 25. Marquette has not won a game since and fell from the top four in the league standings, which would have guaranteed it a bye into Thursday's quarterfinals.
If the Golden Eagles hope to get far in New York, they will need better play from Jerel McNeal. The senior averages a team-high 20.1 points per game, but is shooting just 32 percent (29-of-90) during this slide.
St. John's made the most if its first-round matchup with Georgetown Tuesday, advancing with a 64-59 victory, its second over the Hoyas in a week.
Paris Horne had 23 points to lead the Red Storm, who recorded their first win in the Big East tournament since 2003.
From the Bleachers
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ST. JOHN'S: 45
MARQUETTE: 74
Final
Mar 11 4:43 PM -
ST. JOHN'S: 10
MARQUETTE: 38
Halftime
Mar 11 3:29 PM
