Preview: Harvard at St John's
ST. JOHN'S BULLS LOOK TO TAME THE BEAST AS THEY FACE OFF AGAINST HARVARD CRIMSON
The stage is set for a battle of wills as St. John's University and Harvard University clash in a highly anticipated matchup between two powerhouses in the world of college basketball.
St. John's, led by standout sophomore forward Bryce Hopkins, has been on a tear lately, with the 14.0 point-per-game phenom at the helm. But it's not just Hopkins who's making waves - sophomore guard Zuby Ejiofor is chipping in with 2.8 assists per game and 7.2 rebounds, making him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, Harvard boasts a talented roster, led by senior forward Robert Hinton, who averages an impressive 15.6 points per game. The Crimson's high-powered offense is backed up by a stifling defense that's allowed just 64.3 points per contest.
This matchup promises to be a thrilling one, with two teams boasting some of the nation's top talent. But make no mistake - this game will come down to one thing: rebounding. Both St. John's and Harvard need to bring their A-game on the glass if they hope to emerge victorious.
KEY MATCHUP BREAKDOWN
* St. John's (11-2) vs. Harvard (10-3)
* Record: St. John's 12-0 @ home, Harvard 5-4 on the road
* Recent form: St. John's is riding a four-game winning streak, while Harvard has struggled to find its footing on the road.
* X-factor: Rebounding battle - both teams need to secure crucial boards if they hope to outlast their opponent.
RECENT FORM (Last 5)
St. John's: 4-1 — Recent games vs DePaul, Iona, Ole Miss, Auburn
Harvard: 1-4 — Recent games vs Furman, UMass, Bryant, Boston College, Boston U
As the two teams prepare to face off in a battle of wills, one thing is clear - this game has all the makings of a classic. With its talented rosters and intense rivalries on the line, it's anyone's game.
TONE: Anticipatory, analytical
STRUCTURE: Stakes first, then form/trends, key matchup breakdown, concluding with anticipation for the game.
Stay tuned as we count down to tip-off, when these two powerhouses will clash in what promises to be an instant classic.