PROVIDENCE — Providence wound up paying a big price for failing to do the little things Friday night.
Defensive rebounding and ball security stung the Friars in a game they commanded through the opening 20 minutes. St. John’s cracked the door open in the second half and finally pushed all the way through at the final buzzer.
Zuby Ejiofor’s putback in the lane as time expired was the difference in a 72-70 thriller at Amica Mutual Pavilion. His board off a Deivon Smith miss and soft floater from close range sent the 12,104 fans on hand back out into the snowy night disappointed, as Providence dropped its Big East home opener for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
“Disappointing outcome,” Providence coach Kim English said. “Disappointing result. But no surprise as you watched the way the game went.”
It was the 18th offensive rebound for the Red Storm and finished a 23-4 advantage on second-chance points. Bensley Joseph nailed a 3-pointer from the right wing with 18.8 seconds left to knot the game at 70-70 but was the victim on the last bucket. He switched off Smith in a pick-and-roll action, with Anton Bonke guarding the ball and Ejiofor powering his way to the glass for an extra opportunity.
“I think they’re mentally maturing,” St. John’s coach Rick Pitino said. “I think three weeks ago – missing all those free throws, missing all those shots – we lose by 12 to 16 points.”
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St. John’s gradually erased a 42-29 halftime deficit thanks to some dogged perimeter defense and that muscle inside. The Friars started 5-for-6 from deep but connected on just one more 3-pointer between the 9:56 mark of the first half and the late make by Joseph. They closed at only 32.0% from the field in the second half and committed 17 turnovers against just six assists for the game.
“We weren’t tough enough to get the ball,” English said. “I think we counted 22 more possessions that they had – that’s why you lose.”
Providence (7-6, 1-1 Big East) juggled its lineup from the opening tip, with Rich Barron making his first start of the season and Bonke making the first start of his career. Jabri Abdur-Rahim and Christ Essandoko didn’t play prior to the break, and the Friars adjusted to the changes well. They held the Red Storm to 1-for-9 from 3-point range and a combined 2-for-7 on layups and dunk attempts while cruising out to a comfortable lead.
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“We went with the guys who have been practicing well,” English said. “The guys who have been, for the most part, doing what we ask. The most frustrating part of this season is consistently doing what you’re supposed to do.”
St. John’s (10-2, 2-0) regained the lead at 60-58 with 7:14 left when Aaron Scott’s offensive rebound created a second chance for Ejiofor to drive hard at Bonke and finish with his left hand. Providence expanded the rotation with Oswin Erhunmwunse in foul trouble and the offense struggling, but there was no lift coming from certain areas of the bench. Abdur-Rahim closed minus-3 in five minutes and Essandoko didn’t score or record a rebound in three minutes.
“We need more from our five position right now,” English said. “Bonke and Oswin are young guys, but they’re coachable. They do exactly what we ask. They’re committed to us completely, humbly.
“It sucks right now, but we really like them long-term for our program.”
Bryce Hopkins (left knee) missed his second straight game for the Friars and his 10th of the season. He also sat out a loss to St. Bonaventure that ended the nonconference portion of the schedule last weekend at Mohegan Sun. English said Hopkins practiced on a limited basis and was attempting to resolve some soreness and swelling in his knee, which was surgically repaired after a major injury less than a year ago.
“Getting him back feeling better and better,” English said. “There was pain – we didn’t want him to go with any pain.”
Providence won’t play again until a New Year’s Eve matchup with Marquette here. The Friars will send their players home until after the Christmas holiday and reconvene for full days of work starting next Friday. The Golden Eagles will be coming off a 10-day break of their own after a Saturday trip to Xavier.
“It’s a good time to hone in on your game,” English said. “Hone in on our process. Get closer as a group.”
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence basketball falls at buzzer to St. John’s, 72-70
