McDermott collects 16 points, 14 rebounds in Butler’s 77-55 win over St. John’s

INDIANAPOLIS — Sean McDermott had his third double-double of the season, collecting 16 points and 14 rebounds to lead five Butler players in double figures as the Bulldogs defeated St. John’s 77-55 on Wednesday night.

Jordan Tucker added 14 points for the Bulldogs, Aaron Thompson chipped in 13, Kamar Baldwin scored 12 and Bryce Nze had 11.

St. John’s led 32-31 at halftime but scored a season-low 23 points in the second half when Butler (21-9, 9-8 Big East Conference) scored a season-high 46 on 57% shooting. The Bulldogs shot 50% for the game.

Julian Champagnie scored a season-high 23 points for the Red Storm (15-15, 4-13). Greg Williams Jr. added 11 points and Marcellus Earlington had seven rebounds. St. John’s was coming off a 20-point win over No. 10 Creighton after making 14 of 22 from the arc. They were 6 of 16 on 3-pointers against Butler and shot just 37% overall.

An 18-2 run with seven points from McDermott left Butler ahead by 16 with nine minutes to go.

The Bulldogs, who are sitting just outside the AP Top 25, improved to 2-0 against the Red Storm on the season. Then-No. 11 Butler defeated St. John’s 60-58 on Dec. 31.

Butler finishes the regular season against Xavier on the road on Saturday, while St. John’s hosts Marquette Saturday in its regular-season finale.