SJU Ends 2000 With Win, Tops San Francisco 92—77
by richard kagan

Anthony Glover had another solid outing for SJU, scoring 20 points in the game.

St. John’s University Alumni Hall had the feel of an intimate gathering among friends last Sunday afternoon. The city’s weekend snow storm caused school officials to reschedule Saturday’s tilt to the next day. Sunday’s game felt more like a scrimmage than the usual big game on campus.

The Hall was just about half-filled with fans, the Red Storm pep band was nowhere to be found and some of the cheerleaders were absent as well. But the Storm played on, and played well for most of the game. That’s good news for St. John’s fans because the Big East Conference games are just around the corner.

St. Johns’ finally looked like a team for the first time in weeks, getting contributions from just about everyone who stepped on the court. The result: The Johnnies topped the University of San Francisco Dons 92–77 to go over the .500 mark (6–5) after a tough month of December.

Anthony Glover had another solid outing for SJU, scoring 20 points in the game. He wasn’t the only heavy hitter: the Storm had five players who scored in double figures. One of those was Reggie Jessie, who broke out of his slump in a big way. The senior forward lost his starting slot against Manhattan because of his recent poor play. Jarvis sat Jessie again for the start of the game against the Dons. When he entered with plenty of time left in the first half, he was ready and played his best game of the season.

Jessie answered the call with 16 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and a steal. He filled the complementary role that he established so well the past two seasons. He got his teammates involved with some timely passes, and made the open jumper just when the team needed it.

Jarvis was gratified to see Jessie play as well as he did. "The way Reggie responded to his benching ended up a very positive thing for this team," Jarvis said. Jarvis said Jessie showed senior leadership by his attitude and willingness to contribute. "He was going to do whatever he was asked to do," Jarvis said. If St. John’s is to be competitive this season while currently starting three freshmen, Jessie will be needed for his versatility as the tough part of the schedule looms ahead.

It was also a breakout game of sorts for newcomer Alpha Bangura, the heralded transfer from Monmouth University. Bangura, a sophomore guard, had 17 points in the first half, the most for any SJU player this season. He finished the game with 19, one behind Glover. Jarvis noted that Bangura has some real skills on offense and he used them against the Dons. "He let the game come to him offensively," Jarvis said. Bangura was hot from the floor, hitting nine of his 10 shots. He seemed pleased to show what he can do when he’s on his game. "I just played hard and things just went my way," Bangura said.

The Storm overcame an initial outburst from the Dons at the beginning of the game and midway in the first half appeared to be in control. St. John’s led at the half 42-31, with Bangura’s hot touch a key factor. In the second half, SJU went on a 7–0 run to up the score to 49–31, and the fans in attendance appreciated the team’s willingness to share the ball and look for the open man. The Johnnies made their shots count, hitting for 58.3 per cent in the game.

Omar Cook, the talented freshman point guard, scored 16 points and had 10 assists. Cook threaded the needle with some beautifully timed passes. In the second half, Cook hit a three-pointer to give the Red Storm its largest lead of the game at 62–39. But the Dons, to their credit, didn’t quit, and cut the lead down to 15 points. But Jessie hit a big basket to put SJU up 66–49 with 9:43 remaining. When Willie Shaw (12 points) hit a trey with 4:54 left, SJU had an 80–60 advantage, and the game was firmly in control.

Jarvis for the most part liked what he saw. "We’ve got a way to go but I think we’ve got a lot to work with," he said. As long as Jessie steps up the way he did against USF, the Red Storm might be headed in the right direction.