NEW YORK (AP) — In their return to the national rankings, Rick Pitino and his St. John’s team didn’t exactly look ready for prime time. Not to start, at least. The finish was pretty encouraging.

Mateen’s 18 points helped East Texas A&M defeat Southern 70-68. Scooter Williams Jr. scored the final points of the game, giving the Lions a 70-68 lead with 59 seconds remaining.