NEW YORK (Interstat) — Zuby Ejiofor scored 21 points to lead Saint John’s to an 85-72 victory over Providence in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Thursday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

The Red Storm used a dominant first half, taking a 48-27 lead into halftime, and withstood a stronger second-half push from the Friars. Saint John’s capitalized on transition, outscoring Providence 23-8 on fastbreak points. Ejiofor added five assists and three blocks.

Stefan Vaaks led Providence with 23 points. The Friars fell to 15-18 overall, while Saint John’s improved to 26-6. A crowd of 19,812 attended.