St. John's University Athletics
St. John's Continues To Receive Votes In AP Poll
12/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 10, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - Thanks to a 7-1 start this season, including posting a 2-1 mark last week, the St. John's women's basketball team has been recognized in this week's Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
Coming off victories over Stetson and Columbia and playing a close game with then-No. 4 North Carolina, the Red Storm received 10 votes in this week's AP Poll. STJ has received votes in the AP Poll every week of the regular season.
The Red Storm cruised to an 87-51 win over Stetson on Dec. 1. Four Red Storm players reached double figures in scoring, helping spark the offense to a 51.6 field goal percentage in the game, including a 43.8 clip from 3-point range. The St. John's defense was stingy, holding Stetson to a 31.0 field goal percentage for the game, while posting 10 blocks to the Hatters' one.
STJ continued its winning ways into its next contest with local foe Columbia, clinching the 75-63 win on Dec. 4. For the second time this season five Red Storm players reached double figures in scoring in the contest. Freshman Shenneika Smith led all players with a game-high 15 points, going 5-of-10 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. She also grabbed five rebounds in 26 minutes of play.
On Dec. 6, Da'Shena Stevens recorded a double-double and led all players with 25 points and 13 rebounds to help STJ play No. 4/4 North Carolina close, but the Tar Heels came away with the 83-73 win at the Smith Center. The Red Storm was strong in the game, matching up well with the No. 4 team in the nation and tying the score multiple times in the game. STJ surged in the second half, outscoring UNC 40-38, and kept the game close until the end.
For her efforts on the week, Stevens was named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll. Stevens averaged 14.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 26.7 minutes. She tied for the team high in scoring and paced the team in rebounding and in total blocks (5).
The Red Storm will return to action tonight when it welcomes local rival LIU to Carnesecca Arena at 7 p.m.
