Rick Pitino, the esteemed Hall of Fame coach, celebrated a significant milestone in his storied career after guiding No. 22 St. John’s to a remarkable victory over No. 3 UConn, claiming an 81-72 win that ended the Huskies’ 18-game winning streak. This victory, marked by high energy from a passionate crowd at Madison Square Garden, not only highlights the Red Storm’s rising trajectory this season but also serves as a testament to Pitino’s coaching prowess.
“This is the best group of people, character-wise, that I’ve coached,” Pitino asserted after the game. “In my 52 years, there’s not one guy that doesn’t give me everything.” This sentiment reflects the strong chemistry and commitment displayed by his players throughout the match.
St. John’s showcased a robust game plan right from the start. Following UConn’s early six-point lead, the Red Storm quickly found their rhythm and took control, with standout performances from Big East Preseason Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor, who contributed 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. The Red Storm’s perseverance and tough, physical play were evident, as they outscored UConn in the paint 42-34 and capitalized on 16 second-chance points thanks to nine offensive rebounds.
The defensive effort was equally impressive, as St. John’s full-court pressure disrupted UConn’s offensive flow, forcing 15 turnovers that led to 20 points for the Red Storm. Despite UConn’s best efforts, highlighted by Silas Demary Jr.’s 18 point performance, the Huskies struggled throughout the game to effectively handle the ball under intense pressure.
Former Idaho State transfer Dylan Darling emerged as an unexpected hero for St. John’s. After a quiet first half, he turned the tide in the second, scoring nine points, including a crucial three-pointer that extended the Red Storm’s lead late in the game. “His level of wanting to take over a game is amazing to me,” Pitino praised, indicating Darling’s growing confidence and importance to the team.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Pitino, tying him with legendary coach Roy Williams for third place in Division I history with 903 career wins. It also marks his first win over a top-five team since February 2016, and he becomes only the second coach to have led five different programs to victories against top-10 teams.
With this win, St. John’s has now won nine consecutive games after an initial 9-5 start to the season. They find themselves tied with UConn in the loss column atop the Big East standings, setting the stage for an exciting rematch on February 25 in Hartford.
Reflecting on the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, Pitino was ecstatic about the crowd turnout, which he described as overwhelmingly supportive: “The Garden was as good as I’ve seen it. I said 70/30, 60/40—that was 90/10. Tremendous crowd.”
As St. John’s continues to build momentum, they not only seek victory in upcoming matchups but also aim to make a strong statement in the Big East conference, promising an exciting season ahead for the Red Storm faithful.