St. John’s battle with Creighton a telling sign for rest of this season

OMAHA, Neb. — Tuesday’s thorough win over Butler was a step in the right direction. A victory Saturday at Creighton would signal a turning point. 

St. John’s picked itself off the mat at Hinkle Fieldhouse, putting together arguably its best half of the season after halftime in the 14-point win. The Johnnies looked nothing like the group that couldn’t close against Providence just three days prior, playing with grit, toughness and a sense of urgency that has at times been lacking. 

Rick Pitino said after the setback to the Friars that St. John’s had its back against the wall. His players responded in a very encouraging way to that adversity. 

But it was just one game. A win Saturday would be even more impressive, and mark the team’s fourth win in five league games. It will also be much more difficult. The Johnnies have won once in Omaha in 14 tries, and lost by a single point each of the last two seasons.