St. Johns optimistic RJ Luis Jr. will play vs. rival UConn

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RJ Luis Jr.is making progress with his pulled groin.St.

John’s leading scorer practiced Saturday and there is optimism he will be available Sunday against Connecticut at the Garden, according to a source.Luis missed Wednesday’s blowout of DePaul with the injury.Coach Rick Pitino said Friday the decision would be up to Luis.The 6-foot-7 wing is a top contender for Big East Player of the Year, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals.

He was instrumental in the 10th-ranked Johnnies’ previous win over Connecticut on Feb.7 in Storrs, Conn., notching 21 points and seven rebounds.“He’s an NBA player,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said.

“When you put two 6-6 crazy physical two-way players and big-time rebounders with him and Kadary [Richmond] at the guard spots with [Deivon] Smith and Sim [Wilcher], or whoever else they put on the perimeter, it’s an intimidating tandem.”Later, Hurley added: “I’d imagine he’s not gonna wanna miss this one tomorrow.”In the first meeting between the teams, St.John’s defense was the difference.

The Red Storm forced 22 Connecticut turnovers and held the Huskies’ 15th-ranked offense to 32 points over the final 31:38 after a hot start.“I thought we had more trouble with the overall quality of their halfcourt defense, the physicality, the size, the ability to switch everything on and off the ball,” Hurley said.“We made some bad mistakes, but the overall quality of their half-court defense was what makes it tough on you.

They scramble, they rotate, they guard the ball.It’s a formidable defense.”Multiple streaks will be on the line Sunday.

St.John’s has yet to lose at home, going a perfect 16-0 so far, and has won 18 straight overall during the regular season in its own building.

Connecticut has won 10 games in a row in New York City and eight...