C. Vivian Stringer denied 900 wins again, St. John's women beat Rutgers 61-48

Rutgers head coach C. Vivian Stringer, right, reacts to a play during the first half in an NCAA women's college basketball game against St. John's, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (The Associated Press)

St. John's Briana Brown (12) goes up for a basket past Rutgers' Christa Evans during the first half of an NCAA women's college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – Nadirah McKenith scored 21 points and Briana Brown added 13 to lead St. John's to a 61-48 win over Rutgers on Saturday, denying C. Vivian Stringer her 900th career victory.

Stringer, a Hall of Famer in her 42nd season as a head coach, is seeking to become just the fourth women's coach to reach 900 wins. She'll join the elite group of Pat Summitt, Jody Conradt and Sylvia Hatchell, who reached the mark on Feb. 7.

Only three Division I men's coaches have reached 900 victories — Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight and Jim Boeheim.

The Scarlet Knights (14-12, 5-8 Big East) have lost four straight since Stringer earned her 899th career victory against Cincinnati. Rutgers' 10-year streak of NCAA tournament appearances is in jeopardy this season.

St. John's (15-10, 9-4) has won five consecutive games since a six-point loss to Connecticut.