No. 20 St. John's erase 16-point deficit to down Xavier in OT

St. John's comeback is all the more impressive considering the team converted just one three-pointer the entire game (8.3%).

"The Johnnies," as they are also known, have won six straight games and 12 of their last 13 contests played, extending their standings lead in the conference to 8-1 (17-3 overall).

It's the program's best start to a year since the 1989-90 season and its best in Big East play since 1998-99.

St. John's was selected to finish fifth in the conference's preseason poll but has defied those expectations. The team finished fifth in 2023-24 at 20-13, missing out on the NCAA tournament.

Xavier's three-game winning streak was snapped by its massive blown lead at Madison Square Garden and its fortunes may not turn around any time soon with No. 19 UConn on deck Jan. 25.

The Red Storm have two tough upcoming games against Georgetown (Jan. 28) and Providence (Feb. 1) before massive tilts with ranked foes No. 10 Marquette (Feb. 4) and No. 19 UConn (Feb. 7). Control of the Big East will likely be on the line for both matchups.