New York ? Junior guard Daryll Hill, St. John’s leading scorer this season, will miss two games because of a left knee injury, the school announced Tuesday.

Hill, a preseason All-Big East selection, will miss both games of the Holiday Festival at Madison Square Garden. The Red Storm (5-4) played Columbia in the first round with the championship game slated for tonight.

Hill, who averages 13.7 points per game, missed the loss to Hofstra on Nov. 29 with the same injury.

He played in the next three games, including last week’s loss at No. 1 Duke.

“There is some damage to the cartilage below his kneecap, likely suffered a long time ago,” said team physician Dr. Answorth Allen. “The injury was re-aggravated last month and the symptoms treated with rest and physical therapy. The injury was re-aggravated during the Duke game, and right now there is some pain and swelling in the knee.”

Allen said surgery would be an “absolute last resort.”

Hill wouldn’t put a time frame on his return to the team.

“I will return to practice and games as soon as I am able,” Hill said.