In a thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden, No. 22 St. John’s defeated No. 3 UConn 81-72, ending the Huskies’ impressive 18-game winning streak. This victory marks a significant milestone for Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, as it ties him with Roy Williams for third place in Division I history with 903 career wins.
St. John’s Dominates in Key Moments
Friday night’s game showcased the resilience and determination of the Red Storm, who have now won nine consecutive games following a 9-5 start to the season. Pitino expressed his pride in his team, stating, “This is the best group of people, character-wise, that I’ve coached in my 52 years.” The victory stands as Pitino’s first over a top-five team since February 1, 2016, and further cements his legacy as one of college basketball’s most successful coaches.
St. John’s made its strategy clear early on. After UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. left the game with a six-point lead, the Red Storm capitalized on the moment. Zuby Ejiofor, named the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, quickly found his rhythm, contributing to a swift 7-0 run that shifted the momentum in St. John’s favor. The Huskies struggled to regain control, leading only three times for brief moments throughout the contest.
Physical Play and Defensive Pressure Define the Game
The Red Storm’s identity as a tough, physical team was evident, as they outscored UConn in the paint 42-34 and dominated on the boards with nine offensive rebounds, translating to 16 second-chance points. They also drew 31 fouls compared to UConn’s 12 attempts at the free-throw line. Ejiofor led the scorers with 21 points, alongside Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins, who contributed 15 and 14 points respectively, proving too formidable for UConn’s frontcourt.
UConn coach Dan Hurley acknowledged the challenge posed by St. John’s, stating, “As hard as a game as we’ve had to play this year.” The Huskies struggled against the relentless full-court pressure, committing 15 turnovers that resulted in 20 points for the Red Storm. Silas Demary Jr. was UConn’s standout player, finishing with 18 points, but his nine turnovers hampered the team’s efforts.
One of the unsung heroes of the night was Dylan Darling, a former Idaho State transfer. After a quiet first half, he emerged in the second, scoring 9 points and providing crucial assists. His two key baskets, including a pivotal three-pointer with just over three minutes left, helped solidify St. John’s lead.
Looking ahead, the rematch between St. John’s and UConn is scheduled for February 25, 2024, in Hartford. Both teams are currently tied for the top position in the Big East standings, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of their rivalry. On this occasion, however, St. John’s fans filled Madison Square Garden, creating an atmosphere that Pitino described as “90/10” in favor of his team. “The Garden was as good as I’ve seen it,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of home-court advantage in this memorable victory.
