CINCINNATI — Rick Pitino’s journey to his 900th win was a nail-biter, much like many of his earlier victories.
St. John’s dug deep after trailing by 16 points in the second half. With star forward Zuby Ejiofor sidelined after fouling out, the team rallied to secure an 88-83 win against Xavier, marking a special milestone for Pitino, especially since he faced his son, Richard, for the first time as rivals.
“Reaching 900 wins reflects my longevity in this sport,” Pitino said. He spent a decade coaching in the pros, and he thanked his players and assistant coaches for their support along the way.
After the game, the St. John’s team celebrated with T-shirts and a Gatorade shower for their coach. Ejiofor even gifted Pitino the game ball. “To be with you for 900 is extra special,” Pitino told them.
Dylan Darling shined in crunch time, scoring crucial points in the final moments, including the game-winning 3-pointer. “It was awesome,” he said. “He won’t say it, but we all know he wanted this win against his son.”
The win was St. John’s sixth in a row and showcased their determination, coming back from at least 15 points down for the second consecutive game. Their resilience impressed Pitino, who praised their refusal to back down, even in a tough crowd.
Key players contributed to the win. Bryce Hopkins led with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Dillon Mitchell added 17 points, showcasing a balanced team effort. Despite Xavier’s Tre Carroll scoring a career-high 31 points, the Johnnies held strong.
Interestingly, this matchup had a familial twist, as Richard typically dresses casually but opted for a suit this time. Rick appreciated the gesture, jokingly claiming, “It’s probably my suit.”
The game highlighted a trend in college basketball: teams making dramatic comebacks. Recent statistics from the NCAA show that over the past five seasons, about 25% of games have seen teams overcome substantial deficits to win. This speaks to the increasing competitiveness in college sports.
In conclusion, Rick Pitino’s achievement isn’t just a personal milestone; it reflects the changing dynamics of college basketball and the passion of its players.
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