St. John’s men’s basketball looked strong in its second game of the 2007-2008 season, defeating Sacred Heart 76-49 Wednesday at Carnesecca Arena.

“I thought we played with a lot of energy tonight and we made shots early,” said head coach Norm Roberts.

St. John’s pounced on Sacred Heart early with a 10-0 run to start the game and never looked back. In addition to consistently sinking shots while shooting 51.9% from the field, St. John’s displayed shut-down defense from start to finish.

“I’m pleased with our defensive pressure,” Roberts said. “We took [Sacred Heart] out of what they wanted to do, they’re a team that can score in the 70’s and they can really shoot the three.”

Justin Burrell recorded his first career collegiate double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Eugene Lawrence made big contributions on the offensive end with 17 points and eight assists. Larry Wright and Paris Horne were also in double-digits in scoring.

“I think today was a good test,” Lawrence said. “Sacred Heart played a different pace than St. Francis and the freshmen adjusted well.”

St. John’s freshmen looked more composed in their second game after a relatively shaky start to the season against St. Francis.

“I think they’re improving with every practice,” Lawrence said.