Moraga, CA (Sports Network) – Clint Steindl made seven three-pointers en route to a 22-point effort, as St. Mary’s spoiled Steve Lavin’s debut on St. John’s bench with a 76-71 decision at McKeon Pavilion
Tim Williams tallied eight points and eight rebounds for the Gaels (2-0), who opened their season with an 86-42 win over the College of Idaho on Friday. Matthew Dellavedova chipped in 15 points — 13 from the foul line — and handed out nine assists, while Mickey McConnell scored 10 in the win.
Dwayne Polee II netted 16 points, while Malik Boothe and Malik Stith added 15 and 13, respectively, for the Red Storm (0-1), who finished 17-16 last season, the final campaign with Norm Roberts at the helm.
The Gaels trailed, 31-28, after a tight first half before clamping down defensively midway though the second.
St. John’s was leading 40-39 following a Polee three-pointer with 11 1/2 minutes remaining, then went the next seven minutes without scoring.
Steindl hit a pair of threes on the subsequent game-swinging 14-point flurry, and Williams’ slam capped it for a 53-40 cushion with just over 4 1/2 minutes to play.
It was at least a two-possession game the rest of the way.