Dillon Mitchell’s double-double propels St. John’s to rout of Butler for seventh straight win

This winning streak started against Butler, when Rick Pitino went to a big lineup just over three weeks ago.

The big change was naming Dillon Mitchell one of the starters, a move that may have turned this once-teetering season around.

The latest example came Wednesday.

The do-it-all 6-foot-8 forward was all over the floor in a thorough 92-70 victory over Butler at the Garden, as St. John’s extended its winning streak to seven games.

Mitchell scored (14 points), he rebounded (13 boards), he distributed (four assists) and most importantly, he defended by limiting Butler’s leading scorer Finley Bizjack to 11 points.

It was similar to that first Butler game, when Pitino used Mitchell’s size to neutralize the 6-foot-4 Bizjack, and it handcuffed the Bulldogs.

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Mitchell completely locked down Bizjack, who had averaged 25.6 points in his three previous games — all Butler wins.

After two thrilling, come-from-behind victories over Seton Hall and Xavier, the Johnnies hardly had to sweat.

They led 18-5 early and were up 14 at the break.

The lead grew to 20 midway through the second half, and it was over at that point.

Zuby Ejiofor was terrific in notching 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks, and Joson Sanon (13 points) scored in double figures for the first time since New Year’s Eve.

Ian Jackson chipped in 18 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Butler entered the game having won three straight, and needing a win to help its NCAA Tournament hopes.

But St. John’s was the team that played with desperation, dominating the glass (plus-10), points in the paint (plus-14) and holding Butler to seven made 3-pointers.