Just a week after getting their first crack this season at Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm will descend on Barclays Center today for the first time ever.
St. John’s (7-3) will play St. Francis (2-6) in the middle leg of the Brooklyn Hoops Winter Festival as part of a tripleheader that will also feature Fordham vs. Princeton and No. 3 Michigan vs. West Virginia.
“It’s a great venue and facility, because of the roots that trace back in terms of our university being located in the borough at one point, it’s a neat opportunity for St. John’s across the board,” Red Storm coach Steve Lavin said. “I’ve been here for a concert and a Nets game, but this will be the first opportunity to actually compete with my team on the floor.”
Lavin’s club comes into Barclays with a full week’s worth of practice under its belt, something it hasn’t had all season. After a 58-47 win over Fordham last week at the Garden, Lavin has been preparing for St. Francis, which despite being on a four-game losing streak, could give the Red Storm some trouble.
“They are a very athletic team,” Lavin said. “They are quick and dangerous off the bounce. I like their length and athleticism which will cause some matchup problems for us. They are a very formidable opponent and should have a lot of fans here playing in their backyard.”
St. John’s will follow Fordham (1-8) and Princeton (3-5). While Fordham’s record is the worst among the six schools playing, coach Tom Pecora’s team gets back star senior forward Chris Gaston (knee).
“We’re finally healthy,” Pecora told The Post. “We have Chris back, he’s practiced all week. We’re getting to a point where we are getting to some home games. We’re playing in Barclays, which has to become one of our new homes as we move forward. It’s a fresh start.”
The nightcap will feature Tim Hardaway Jr. and Michigan (9-0), which will be playing in New York for the third time this season after winning the NIT Season Tip-Off earlier this year.