St. John's survives Ole Miss' late comeback bid in defensive struggle

There was nothing pretty for St. John’s about Saturday night’s eke-it-out victory over Ole Miss.

The Johnnies committed 20 turnovers, shot 34% from the field and allowed the struggling Rebels to stick around until the very end.

But St. John’s escaped with a 63-58 win at Madison Square Garden, largely on the strength of an embattled defense that showed signs of improvement for much of the night.

St. John’s (5-3) limited Ole Miss (5-4) to just 36% shooting, including 2-of-16 (13%) on 3-pointers.

The Red Storm forced 20 turnovers, leading to 20 points.

And center Zuby Ejiofor recorded a career-high eight blocks, including six in the first half.

Yet Ole Miss trailed by a single possession in the game’s final minute, having rallied back from a 14-point deficit in the second half.

St. J