With wins over West Virginia, Providence and most recently No. 12 Georgetown, the surging Red Storm is not only enjoying a 5-game winning streak but find themselves in first place in the powerful Big East Conference.

“I am very pleased and proud of our player’s performance in finding a way to get a win,” said head coach Steve Lavin.

The Red Storm (10-3 3-0) took the lead in the final seconds and Dwight Hardy made two free throws to seal the 61-58 victory over the Hoyas. Georgetown’s 58 point total is the second lowest output of the season and a reflection of St. John’s tenacious defense.

Georgetown looked confused at time as St. John’s went to different looks on defense in hopes of keeping the Hoyas off balance and out of rhythm – and the game plan worked.

“We tried to mix defenses,” explained Lavin. “They are one of the better shooting teams in the country and we always wanted a player-and-a-half on [Austin] Freeman and [Chris] Wright.”

The victory is the first win over a ranked team in 14 previous tries. Ironically, the Storm beat Notre Dame also on January 3^rd back in 2009.

“So often, a game at this level with well prepared teams, it’s going to come down to finding a way – really will power,” said Lavin. “I commend my seniors for leading the way.”

Hardy led the way scoring a team-high 20 points. The Bronx native who is described by Lavin as “the best shooter he has ever coached” has had six 20-point performances in the Red Storm’s last seven games.

“Coach Lavin has tremendous faith in me and I use that as momentum going into each and every game,” said Hardy.

Last season the Red Storm had an opportunity to beat Georgetown on the road but came up short.

“Last year we felt we had them at their place but we slipped up,” said Hardy. “We wanted to get revenge.”

Fellow senior Justin Brownlee led the team in rebounds with seven, but more importantly had the go-ahead put-back of Hardy’s miss to give the Storm the lead for good.

The senior-led Red Storm is flying high with three consecutive Big East wins and they hope to continue their winning ways as they go deeper into the difficult conference schedule with hopes of finally playing in the post season.

 “It would break my heart if I never got a chance to play in the NCAA and put St. John’s where it deserves to be,” said senior Justin Burrell.

Hopefully all of this is a sign that coach Lavin can finally get the Red Storm back to the promise land.