Keyshawn Hall scores 26 points in impressive debut as No. 13 St. John's beats Monmouth 78-63
NEW YORK (AP) — Keyshawn Hall made his first six shots and scored 26 points in an impressive debut, leading No. John’s to a 78-63 victory over Monmouth on Monday night in the season opener for both teams.
Keyshawn Hall's impressive debut led No. 13 St. John’s to a 78-63 victory over Monmouth in their season opener on Monday night. Among the 11 newcomers for Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, Hall was the leading scorer, netting 26 points and finishing with nine rebounds. St. John’s, who made seven of their first eight shots, shot 41% from the field and went 6 of 20 from beyond the arc.
Despite the solid start, the Red Storm struggled in the second half, leading by just 59-47 with 9:07 remaining before a surge from Ian Jackson. Jackson, a preseason first-team All-Big East pick, scored 13 points in the second half, including two three-pointers, giving the Johnnies a 19-point cushion. Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou contributed 12 points, while new point guard Quinn Ellis, from England, added eight points and seven assists.
Ellis also had five of the Red Storm's 13 steals. Monmouth, led by Jakai Sanders with 17 points, struggled with 18 turnovers and shot 42.9%. St. John’s, who lost several key players from last season's 30-win team, will next host Iona in a regular-season home game at Madison Square Garden.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
