On Dec. 13, St. John’s women’s basketball went against the Hofstra Pride in the next-to-last non-conference game of the season. The most recent game between St .John’s and Hofstra was on Dec. 11, 2024, which the Johnnies also won 62-38. 

The game started off with Hofstra gaining possession and scoring the first points of the night but St. John’s quickly gained a lead on the Pride, with help from Kyile Lavelle and Shaulana Wagner, bringing the score to 18-9.

The score continued to rise with help from Sa’mya Wyatt, Janeya Grant and Wagner bringing the score to 34-19, a more than 10-point difference over Hofstra.

But something changed in the second half. The once-dominating St. John’s was now predictable, as Hofstra closed the gap from 36-19 to 39-29. Although it looked like a fluke for Hofstra, it became very clear very quickly that it was not. Even as St. John’s brought the score into the 50s, Hofstra chased right after them, with the score being 51-38 before a break. 

St. John’s struggled further, getting attacked by all angles from Hofstra. It got so bad that even with Daniela Abies making a three-point shot it still wasn’t enough and led to a tie with the Lions, 55-55.

With the last few seconds on the clock, the game was saved by Brooke Moore and Lavelle’s free throws with a three-pointer from Grant sealing the game.

The final score was 63-60.

With the Johnnies faltering while still remaining triumphant from their last game against Stony Brook, it is clear to see that the team is struggling. Whether from Skye Owen missing from both the court and the bench or from just misjudgment of different teams’ capabilities. 

With the next matchup against the Johnnies’ against New Haven, who are 2-7 overall, on Dec. 17 it will be an interesting game to watch to see if St. John’s continue down the path of painful success or if they will arise from the struggle.