NEW YORK — Butler looked like it was going to blow St. John's out of its own gym during the first half of Tuesday's game in Queens, New York. The Bulldogs led 37-16 at the half.
But a different Butler team took the court for the final 20 minutes of the game. These Bulldogs couldn't buy a basket and for a nine minute stretch, didn't sore a point. All of which allowed St. John's to take a five point lead.
Then, with 43 seconds left and Butler trailing by two, Christian David nailed a three-pointer. The Bulldogs escaped with a 60-58 win in the Big East Conference opener for both teams.
Butler, ranked number 11 in the Associated Press Poll and 10th in the coaches poll, is now 13-1. St. John's falls to 11-3
Butler's defense and rebounding kept the Bulldogs in the game. St. John's was held to 34% shooting and Butler owned a 42-23 rebounding advantage.
The Bulldogs will host Creighton on Saturday.
