PROVIDENCE, R.I. – St. John’s can expect a large amount of free throws next practice.

The charity streak almost cost the Johnnies a big win on Friday night.

They posted an 11-26 record in their 72-70 victory over Providence at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

While St. John’s hasn’t necessarily been a good free throw team this year, they shot at a respectable 70 percent to start the night.

Zuby Ejiofor and RJ Luis combined to miss 11 free throws in 23 attempts and the Johnnies were 9-for-19 after halftime, many of them coming late in the second half when every point was valuable.

“We know we have to work on it. We don’t go out and try to miss shots,” Ejiofor said. “I think it was a little nervous. Obviously it’s our first away game in a loud environment. It was really loud. We have to work on that.”

Pitino didn’t sound overly concerned.

He said St. John’s shoots free throws well in practice.

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He thought it was getting to his players’ minds as the misses piled up.

Ejiofor is already preparing to spend most of next practice shooting free throws.

“Almost 500,” Ejiofor predicted.

Kadary Richmond was only able to play 22 minutes because his patellar tendonitis flared up.

He was at it again and again in the second half of the game, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds and three steals.

“He was in pain and although he is a great player, I would rather choose players who are 100 percent fit,” Pitino said.

Pitino doesn’t expect it to last that long and expects Richmond to be well prepared for its next game in eight days against Delaware at Carnesecca Arena on Dec. 28.