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The version of Ruben Prey that St. John’s was expecting finally arrived in the second half.
After being limited by foul trouble in the opening half, the 6-foot-10 junior produced nine points, eight rebounds and two blocks over the final 20 minutes of No. 13 St. John’s 90-59 rout of Colgate at Carnesecca Arena.
“I thought he was the Ruben of last year, where he was just flying all over the place,” coach Rick Pitino said. “He did a really good job of just constantly moving on offense and defense, where he really hasn’t been doing that.”
After serving as Zuby Ejiofor’s backup the past two seasons, Prey came in this year as the starter. He started slowly, but performed better Sunday against Iona, and he really found his game in the second half Wednesday by making an impact at both ends of the floor.
“I knew after my first half — after having two fouls, so I wouldn’t play anymore in the first half — I knew I had 20 minutes to go. So why not use all my energy in the second half?” Prey said. “Obviously as a player, you always want to perform well. So having a good second half means something. But now it’s focusing on Sunday against Syracuse and having a good game against them.”
Babacar Sane returned after missing the Iona game with an ankle injury. The forward had nine points and six rebounds off the bench in 16 minutes. He threw down an impressive follow slam late in the second half, showcasing his elite athleticism. Sane blew a kiss to the crowd after the dunk.
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Freshman center Theo Edema (foot) was held out. Pitino expects him to play Sunday against Syracuse. … Five-star wing Malachi Jordan of Prolific Prep (Fla.) signed with St. John’s on Wednesday — the first day high school prospects were able to sign with schools.
