Smith, No. 18 St. John's women beat Hartford 66-54

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Shenneika Smith recorded a double-double and No. 18 St. John's women pulled away from Hartford 66-54 Sunday in a nonconference matchup.

Smith, who moved into ninth place all-time on St. John's (4-1) career points list Wednesday against Iona, scored 21 points and pulled 11 boards for the Red Storm.

After a back-and-forth first half, Hartford (5-1) entered halftime trailing 26-24 before taking a 36-32 second-half lead behind a layup from Nikkia Smith.

St. John's scored six-straight to go up 38-36 but Nikkia Smith made two free throws to tie the game at 38-all.

However, Hartford would never retake the lead, as St. John's Smith tallied six-consecutive points and Keylantra Langley hit two free throws to put the Red Storm up for good.

Nikkia Smith led Hartford with 16 points off the bench.

St. John's has won four straight games after opening the season with a loss to Texas.