There are many who feel that St. John's should not even be in the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament after escaping against Rutgers in a win marred by an officiating controversy. Nevertheless, the Red Storm are taking advantage of their opportunity. Led by 11 points from Justin Brownlee, the Red Storm lead No. 4 seed Syracuse 37-32 at halftime of this quarterfinal game.
The winner will face No. 9 seed Connecticut, who upset No. 1 seed Pittsburgh 76-74 on a buzzer beater by Kemba Walker.
Syracuse jumped ahead early in this one, going ahead 14-5 six minutes into the game. St. John's chipped away to eventually tie the score, then scored seven of the last nine points of the half to take the 37-32 lead. Brownlee, who was the man that threw the ball into the stands against Rutgers, has hit five of his eight field goals for his 11 points. Dion Waiters leads Syracuse with eight points off the bench.