Mon Nov 18 21:50:00 UTC 2024: ## St. John’s Unbeaten Streak Faces Stiff Test Against New Mexico Lobos
**NEW YORK, NY** – St. John’s University men’s basketball team, currently boasting a perfect 3-0 record with three dominant victories, will face their toughest challenge yet this Sunday. The undefeated Johnnies, who have cruised past Fordham, Quinnipiac, and Wagner, will take on the New Mexico Lobos, a team already boasting a victory over top-25 opponent UCLA.
While St. John’s has relied on a fast-paced offense centered around their backcourt, analysts predict a much closer contest against New Mexico. Both teams employ similar up-tempo styles, but the Lobos present several key matchup advantages. New Mexico’s formidable inside-out duo, Donovan Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph, pose a significant threat, particularly against St. John’s defensively weak pick-and-roll coverage. The Lobos’ aggressive rim attacks, averaging 28 attempts per game, are expected to exploit St. John’s weakness in defending shots at the rim.
Further complicating matters for St. John’s is the absence of star center Joel Soriano. Soriano’s offensive rebounding prowess masked the team’s shooting deficiencies last season; his absence leaves a significant hole in the Red Storm’s offensive strategy. The team’s reliance on four significant transfer players, coupled with a lack of roster continuity, also raises concerns. Conversely, New Mexico’s higher returning player minutes suggest a more cohesive and potentially more successful early-season team.
Despite the stylistic similarities between the two teams, experts favor New Mexico due to their superior ball-screen offense and the Johnnies’ defensive vulnerabilities. One analyst has even suggested betting on New Mexico to cover a +8.5 point spread. Sunday’s game promises a compelling clash between two similarly-styled teams, but the Lobos’ experience and defensive advantages could prove decisive in this crucial early-season matchup.
First Piper 