Suddenly, the Big East is heating up! St. John’s just made a bold move, showing it can hang with powerhouse teams like Connecticut.
Over the last five weeks, St. John’s has transformed from an early season underdog to a real contender, winning nine straight games. Last Friday’s 81-72 victory against No. 3 Connecticut was a game changer. It marked St. John’s biggest win under Coach Rick Pitino and their first victory over a top-three team since 2021.
“We made critical plays tonight, and I’m proud of the team. We stayed calm throughout the game,” Pitino said after the match.
St. John’s showcased a strong defensive effort, with standout performances from players like Dylan Darling and Zuby Ejiofor. This win now strengthens their case for the NCAA Tournament.
The final minutes saw St. John’s outscore Connecticut 15-7, ending the Huskies’ 18-game winning streak. It was a significant turn from earlier this season when St. John’s struggled against top nonconference teams.
“This was one of our toughest games all year,” said Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, highlighting that his team had faced other top-ranked opponents like Arizona and Kansas.
St. John’s held a lead of 11 points in the second half. Even when Connecticut made a run to close the gap, the Red Storm responded with confidence. Ejiofor, who had an outstanding game with 21 points and 10 rebounds, said, “We had more support than we expected. When the buzzer sounded, I just let it all out.”
Interestingly, Ejiofor’s performance mirrored a recent study from the NCAA showing that teams with strong defensive skills often have better chances in tight games. The Red Storm’s strategy of pressuring their opponents paid off, limiting Connecticut’s scoring opportunities.
Also noteworthy is how well St. John’s maximized its possessions. They converted 20 points from 15 Connecticut turnovers and earned 16 second-chance points, a key factor in their victory. Hurley noted, “They’re grown men,” reflecting on St. John’s physical play.
As St. John’s continues its ascent, the chatter on social media has been electric, with fans and analysts buzzing about the rebirth of this once-struggling program. The win over Connecticut marks a turning point, and it will be exciting to see how they progress as the season unfolds.
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College Basketball,Sports,big east,St. John's Red Storm,uconn huskies,zuby ejiofor
