The best Johnnie faulted himself for Saturday’s loss.
Zuby Ejiofor — the Big East preseason player of the year who had 27 points, 10 rebounds and three assists — was critical of his own play in fifth-ranked St. John’s 103-96 loss to No. 15 Alabama at the Garden.
The Red Storm’s defense was shaky, and Ejiofor feels that he has to be better in that area.
“We didn’t execute on that end. That starts with me,” he said. “I have to do a better job as the captain and leader of this team to make sure guys’ heads are right and we’re really focused on what it takes to win this game. The defense wasn’t all there today.”
Later, Ejiofor added, “I’m looking here and I have four turnovers. At the end of the day, I have to improve.”
Ejiofor was dominant in the opening half, scoring 21 points.
He was held to just six points and four field goal attempts over the final 20 minutes.
Coach Rick Pitino also limited him to 13 second-half minutes.
“Zuby expends a lot of energy. This was a torrid, up-and-down game,” Pitino said. “As well-conditioned as he is, he needs a blow. I don’t want you guys calling me ‘Thibs.’ ”
He was referring to former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who was known for playing his starters huge minutes.
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Dylan Darling missed the game with a right calf strain.
Pitino said he wasn’t close to being able to play, after practicing on Friday.
St. John’s will rest Darling this week and hold him out of next Saturday’s game against William & Mary if he isn’t close to or at 100 percent.
Actor/comedian Tracy Morgan and billionaire St. John’s booster Mike Repole were among those in attendance.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
