The physical game between two bubble teams badly in need of a victory featured three technical fouls (including Lavin’s just three minutes into his MSG debut), two intentional fouls, plenty of blood, and a sensational end of the half block by the Red Storm’s 6-foot-3-inch Paris Horne.
The Red Storm, fresh off two straight losses, trailed much of the first half as Davidson built a seven-point lead on the strength of their defense and timely 3-point shooting from forward Jake Cohen. Davidson led at the half 27–24.
All in all, neither team had much success solving the other’s tough defense as both were shooting in the frigid 30 percent range as they headed into the locker room.
The second half though, started off with a bang as both teams translated their defensive intensity into offensive prowess. Fortunately for the Red Storm, they had established the pace and each time they scored they were able to set up their 3-quarter court trap—one that Davidson had trouble with.
Still, after the Red Storm took their first second half lead at 37–36, the Wildcats were able to answer with back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers by their coach’s son Brendan McKillop, giving them with a 45–42 lead.
Again, the Red Storm came back with a 9–1 run to take a 51–46 lead before Davidson’s J.P. Kuhlman, who was credited with six turnovers, scored a rare 4-point play to pull the Wildcats within one.
St. John’s kept battling and after D.J. Kennedy’s offensive rebound and putback—he finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds—held a small but confident lead of 55–52. But the lead wouldn’t last long though as McKillop’s fifth 3-pointer of the day tied the game 55–55.
The game came down to the final seconds with St. John’s holding a slim 60–57 lead as a game-tying 3-pointer from McKillop went all the way in and out, leaving Red Storm fans celebrating and Steve Lavin beaming.
If only they’d all be as thrilling.
