Evans’ double-double leads St. John’s to 73-51 win over UConn in Big East tournament

Evans leads St. John’s over UConn, 73-51

NEW YORK — Sean Evans had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead St. John’s to a 73-51 victory over Connecticut on Tuesday, extending the Huskies’ losing streak in the Big East tournament to six games and in effect ending their chance for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

The Red Storm (17-14), who had lost three of four to close the regular season, took command right away against the reeling Huskies (17-15). Connecticut has lost four straight overall after a three-game winning streak had the Huskies back in the picture to reach the field of 65.

St. John’s led by 10 points midway through the first half, by 13 at halftime and the Huskies were never closer than eight the rest of the way as the Red Storm ended a nine-game losing streak to Connecticut.

Paris Horne and Justin Brownlee had 13 points each for St. John’s, which plays fifth-seeded Marquette on Wednesday.

Kemba Walker scored 12 points for UConn, which shot 37.5 percent (21 of 56) from the field, was 6 of 18 from the free throw line and committed 20 turnovers.

Connecticut, which reached the Final Four last season, has not won a game in the Big East tournament since the 2005 quarterfinals.