Simeon Wilcher might not have shot effectively, however he contributed in different methods.
With start line guard Deivon Smith lacking nearly all the second half on account of a left shoulder harm, Wilcher was referred to as upon to log heavy minutes and the sophomore sixth man got here by way of when it mattered.
Wilcher made two very large performs within the Johnnies’ come-from-behind, 80-68 win over Villanova on the Backyard on Saturday night time.
His strip of Wildcats star Eric Dixon and layup pushed the St. John’s result in three with 3:30 to go and he additionally sank an enormous pull-up jumper with 2:05 to go after Villanova had gotten inside one.
“Sim’ gave us big minutes, made big steals, did all the right things,” coach Rick Pitino mentioned. “It may not show in the stat sheet, but he played tremendous. I’m very, very proud of Sim’.”
Wilcher solely made 3-of-10 photographs from the sphere, however he didn’t let it get him down.
He defended effectively and got here by way of within the clutch.
With out Smith, the Johnnies’ motor, Wilcher didn’t depart the ground within the second half till fouling out with a half-minute left.
He wasn’t allowed to be drained.
“I would say thank God for the media timeouts,” Wilcher mentioned jokingly. “And free throws, for sure. We were a little bit tired, but in the situation, in the heat of the moment, you kind of zone out from that and just have to worry about the task going on at hand.”
Freshman Jaiden Glover (proper wrist) appeared within the remaining half-minute of the primary half.
He’s nonetheless feeling discomfort taking pictures, however the wrist is enhancing.
Pitino believes he shall be out there on Tuesday in opposition to Georgetown.
Former Villanova coach Jay Wright and former Villanova star and Knicks level guard Jalen Brunson have been among the many 18,178 in attendance.
the motion throughout St. John’s win over Villanova. Robert Sabo for New York Put up
It marked the second-largest crowd for a St. John’s residence recreation since Pitino arrived.
The most important was final yr’s sellout in opposition to Connecticut on the Backyard.
