NEW YORK -- Federico Mussini scored 20 points and Marcus LoVett added 19 points and seven assists to lead St. John's past Bethune-Cookman 100-53 in the season opener for both squads Friday night.

Brandon Tabb's 3 with 18:42 before halftime put the Wildcats up 6-2. Josue Salaam made another 3 for Bethune-Cookman to give it a 9-6 lead two minutes later.

St. John's took control of the game going on a 15-6 run, and Malik Ellison's 3 put the Red Storm ahead 21-15. St. John's proceeded to outscore Bethune Cookman 26-16 to close out the half.

Quinton Forrest led the Wildcats with 12 points and Diamante Lewis added 10.

It was only the second-ever meeting between the two teams. The teams first played Dec. 14, 2008 and St. John's won 77-59.

The Red Storm has won its last 12 home openers dating back to the 2003-04 season.