St. John's University Athletics
St. John's Welcomes Providence on Sunday
1/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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QUEENS, N.Y. - Looking to snap a two-game skid, the St. John's women's basketball team welcomes Providence to Carnesecca Arena Sunday Afternoon. With the loss to Creighton on Friday, the Johnnies fell to 6-4 in games in Queens this year.
Jonathan Yardley and Megan O'Brien will have the call on the BIG EAST Digital Network. The opening tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.
NEWS & NOTES
Despite back-to-back setbacks, St. John's remains atop the BIG EAST when it comes to defense. The Johnnies are allowing just 54.4 points per game while limiting teams to just 35.1 percent from the field, both of which lead the league. From behind the arc, the Red Storm paces the conference yet again, holding teams to just 25.5 percent from behind the arc.
Individually, Aaliyah Lewis continues to lead the BIG EAST in assists. The senior has led the Red Storm in dimes in all 19 games this season and is averaging 6.1 helpers per contest. Additionally, Lewis has dished out 7.6 assists per game in league play, two more per game than Creighton's Sydney Lamberty (5.6 apg).
The Red Storm's leading scorer, Jade Walker, struggled from the field against Creighton, but the senior still managed to chip in nine points thanks in large part to her 5-for-5 night at the free throw line. In BIG EAST action, Walker ranks second in the league with 17.6 points per contest.
Head Coach Joe Tartamella will take his third swing at notching career win No. 100 on Sunday. The fifth-year leader looks to become the fifth coach in the 42-year history of St. John's women's basketball to reach the 100-win mark. With a win over the Friars, Tartamella would earn his 100th win in just his 152nd career game, making him the third fastest coach in program history to 100 victories. He would sit just behind Vickie Kresse (1974-79) and Joe Mullaney, Jr. (1984-1996).
• Following Sunday's game with the Friars, St. John's welcomes Butler and Xavier to The Big Apple next week.
SCOUTING PROVIDENCE
Providence enters play on Sunday with an overall record of 9-10, including a 1-7 mark in BIG EAST play.
Three Friars are averaging double figures, led by Jovana "Yoyo" Nogic at 13.6 points per game. Sarah Beal and Maddie Jolin are the other two players, averaging 12.2 and 10.3 points per game, respectively.
Despite coming off the bench in all 19 games this season, Jolin is averaging 27.1 minutes per game this season.
Providence leads the BIG EAST in free throw and three point shooting, knocking down shots from the charity stripe at a 76.8 percent clip and converting on 37.6 percent of its tries from long distance.
The Friars own the conference's second-highest rebounding defense, limiting teams to just 35.3 boards per game.
ST. JOHN'S vs. PROVIDENCE -- THE SERIES
Sunday's contest between St. John's and Providence will mark the 65th meeting between the two longtime rivals.
Overall, St. John's owns a 38-26 record against the Friars, rattling off 12 straight wins dating back to 2008. Since the 2003-04 campaign, the Red Storm has won 17 of the last 18 meetings between the two teams.
In the first meeting last season, Sandra Udobi scored a career-high 11 points on 5-for-5 shooting from the floor. Additionally, the Delta State, Nigeria native brought down four rebounds in 15 minutes.
