St. John’s was without point guard Dylan Darling for Saturday’s loss to Alabama, but head coach Rick Pitino hopes to have the junior back soon.

Darling, who is dealing with a strained calf, didn’t come close to suiting up for Saturday’s 103-96 defeat at Madison Square Garden, Pitino said.

“He was in pain, so we decided not even to warm him up,” Pitino said afterward.

Pitino said he expects Darling to be available for next Saturday’s meeting with William & Mary at Carnesecca Arena, though he acknowledged the point guard could sit for that game, too, if needed.

“We’ll rest him all week, give him five days off,” Pitino said.

Darling transferred to St. John’s in the spring after winning Big Sky Player of the Year with Idaho State last season.

In the Johnnies’ season-opening 108-74 v

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