It felt like St. John’s was in trouble.
Zuby Ejiofor had picked up his second foul with 4:55 left in the first half. Then, he was called for his third a few minutes into the second half.
Both times, Ruben Prey was there to fill the void left by the 18th-ranked Johnnies’ superstar in their Big East-clinching, 72-65 win over Seton Hall on Friday night.
Prey produced one of his most impactful games of the season, tallying eight points, three rebounds and a blocked shot in 16 quality minutes.
“He was absolutely perfect, I would say. I had some questionable [foul] calls, Coach [Rick Pitino] sat me on the bench, gave me a little bit of rest,” Ejiofor said. “Ruben stepped up, hit some big-time shots in the post. He played well defensively.
“It’s something we’re going to definitely need from him the rest of the season. He stepped up big tonight, as well as other people as well.”
Pitino has raved about Prey’s potential, and believes he will have a major role next year. Against Seton Hall, the 6-foot-11 forward from Portugal showed some of that upside.
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He was given the “Big Bells” award, which goes to the St. John’s player who impacts winning the most at both ends of the floor.
“When Zuby was out resting, Ruben did a phenomenal job,” Pitino said.
Oziyah Sellers hit three 3-pointers in a game for the first time since Feb. 3. All three came in the second half.
This marks the first time that St. John’s has won at Seton Hall in back-to-back years. The Johnnies are 3-12 all time at Prudential Center.
The Red Storm have won 25 games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1998-2000.
