Sports

St. John’s defeats Fordham

This is only going to get better.

St. John’s avenged a stunning loss at Fordham last year with a 56-50 triumph yesterday in the MSG Holiday Festival at the Garden. It wasn’t as thrilling as last year’s battle between the borough rivals, but it had its moments.

The Red Storm (5-5) opened a 42-26 second half lead and seemed to be on the way to a blowout when it was almost déjà vu all over again. Last year the Red Storm led the Rams by 21 before falling apart like Legos in an 84-81 loss.

Sure enough, with 11 points and 14 rebounds from Chris Gaston and a game-high 17 from Branden Frazier of Brooklyn, the Rams sliced their deficit to 53-50 with just under two minutes remaining.

The Red Storm however, down to just six scholarship players who see real minutes, forced a shot-clock violation and got a big block from God’sgift Achiuwa to hold on.

St. John’s starters Achiuwa (10 points, eight rebounds), Moe Harkless (13 and 16), Phil Greene (nine and seven) and D’Angelo Harrison (15 and six) played 40 minutes each. That will be the case at least until recruit Amir Garrett arrives.

“We probably won’t feel the fatigue until tomorrow,’’ said Harkless, who pulled down the most rebounds by a St. John’s player since Sean Evans grabbed 16 in 2009. “Playing 40 minutes is tough, in any situation, especially in college because it’s intense every play up and down the court.’’

While the Red Storm were pulling out the win, coach Steve Lavin was recruiting in Florida as he continues to recover from prostate cancer surgery. His hope is to put together another top class. Meanwhile, Fordham coach Tom Pecora continues to build with local talent.

If both programs stay the course, the Red Storm and Rams (4-6), who are discussing playing of an annual game at the Garden, will continue to grow its rivalry.

“I like the kids we have in our program and I like the kids we have coming in,’’ Pecora said. “I like the direction that we’re headed.’’