Nov. 17, 2008

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) - Anthony Mason Jr. scored 24 points, including a fast-break layup in the final minute after Cornell cut the deficit to five, and St. John's held on to beat the Big Red 86-75 on Monday night in the opening round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

D.J. Kennedy scored 22 points, Justin Burrell had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Malik Boothe added 14 points and nine assists for the Red Storm (2-0), who will play Boston College in the second round on Tuesday.

Ryan Wittman scored 25 points and Jeff Foote had 20 for Cornell (1-1), which fell behind 14-3 in the opening minutes. The Big Red took the lead briefly before the end of the first half and trailed 80-75 in the final minutes before Mason helped turn back the rally.