Top-seeded St. John's posted a 78-57 win over Butler Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
 
With the win, the Red Storm (28-4) advance to Friday's semifinals and will meet either Marquette or Xavier. St. John's is ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, in this week's national polls.
 
Butler is 14-19 on the season.
 
OF NOTE:

• After Butler cut the Red Storm lead to eight (39-31) with 18:16 remaining in the contest, St. John's scored 14 of the next 15 points to take a commanding 53-32 advantage with 13:59 to play.
• BIG EAST Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. led St. John's with 20 points; Kadary Richmond and Aaron Scott each scored 15.
• Butler was led Patrick McCaffery, who hit four three-pointers on his way to 16 points; Jahmyl Telfort scored 11 points, while Finley Bizjack added 10 points.
• The St. John's defense held Butler to 35-percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers. The Red Storm converted those turnovers into 24 points.
• St. John's shot 47 percent from the field and had 44 points in the paint.
• St. John's held a 44-35 rebounding advantage, led by eight from Richmond.