Nov. 25, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) - Rob Thomas scored 13 points to help St. John's rout Loyola, Ill. 73-54 on Tuesday night in the consolation of Preseason NIT Tip-Off.

Paris Horne added 12 points and Sean Evans had 11 for the Red Storm (4-1).

J.R. Blount scored 16 points for the Ramblers (2-3). Justin Cerasoli had 12. Andy Polka 10.

The Red Storm used a 16-4 run lead to jump out to a 30-14 advantage with 6:54 left in the first half. Loyola rallied to trail by only three at the half.

Blount's jumper cut the deficit to 32-31 early in the second half before St. John's put the game away with a 17-6 run that gave them a 49-37 lead with 12:59 left.