St. John’s Red Storm Dethrone UConn Huskies in Dominant Big East Victory

Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm delivered a statement, defeating the UConn Huskies 89-75 at Madison Square Garden. The dominant performance, fueled by Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor, marked a significant shift in the Big East Conference as St. John’s swept the season series for the first time since 1998. The Red Storm’s victory showcased their defensive intensity and efficient offense, solidifying their position as a top contender and casting doubt on UConn’s ability to maintain its elite status.

Recent Match Performance

On Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden, the 10th-ranked St. John’s Red Storm delivered a statement victory, defeating the UConn Huskies 89-75. This game marked a significant changing of the guard in the Big East Conference, as St. John’s solidified its control over the league under the guidance of head coach Rick Pitino. The Red Storm’s performance was nothing short of dominant, with all five starters scoring at least 12 points and the team shooting an impressive 42.1% from beyond the arc.

The first half was particularly lopsided, as St. John’s built a 50-32 lead by the break. UConn, which entered the game ranked No. 3 in the preseason and was expected to be among the nation’s elite, struggled to keep pace with the Red Storm’s relentless defensive pressure and efficient offensive execution. The Huskies managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the second half, but St. John’s never relinquished its control of the game.

Tactical Analysis

St. John’s employed a well-rounded and disciplined approach that overwhelmed the Huskies from the opening tip. Pitino’s team excelled in all facets of the game, with the starting five each making significant contributions. The Red Storm’s defensive intensity was the key to their success, as they forced 16 UConn turnovers and held the Huskies to just 42.9% shooting from the field.

Offensively, St. John’s was equally impressive, moving the ball with precision and knocking down open shots. The team’s ability to share the ball and get balanced scoring from its starters was a testament to the cohesion and chemistry they have developed under Pitino’s leadership. The Red Storm’s 8-for-19 performance from 3-point range was particularly damaging to UConn, as it stretched the defense and opened up driving lanes for the team’s slashers.

Player Performance Analysis

The standout performer for St. John’s was Kadary Richmond, who played through a pair of pulled groins to contribute 18 points, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Richmond’s toughness and determination set the tone for the Red Storm, and his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor was crucial to their victory.

Zuby Ejiofor also had an outstanding game, matching Richmond’s 18 points while adding 3 steals and 2 blocks. The sophomore forward’s versatility and two-way impact was a major factor in neutralizing UConn’s talented frontcourt. Posh Alexander (14 points, 2 steals, 1 block), Joel Soriano (13 points, 3 steals, 2 blocks), and David Jones (12 points, 1 steal, 1 block) rounded out the balanced scoring effort for St. John’s.

Historical Context and Patterns

Sunday’s victory was a significant milestone for the St. John’s program, as it marked the first time the Red Storm have swept the regular-season series against UConn since 1998. It also snapped the Huskies’ eight-game winning streak at Madison Square Garden, a testament to the shift in power within the Big East.

Under Pitino’s guidance, St. John’s has rapidly emerged as the new force in the conference, winning 19 straight regular-season home games and recording 15 league wins for the first time since the 1984-85 season. This impressive turnaround has come in just two years, as Pitino has transformed a program that had long struggled to find consistent success.

Meanwhile, UConn’s reign atop the Big East has come to an abrupt end. The Huskies, who were expected to continue their dominant run after winning back-to-back national championships, have now lost three of their last five games and are facing a concerning number of “flaws” according to head coach Dan Hurley.

Future Implications

The implications of Sunday’s result are far-reaching for both programs. St. John’s has firmly established itself as the team to beat in the Big East, and with a three-game lead in the conference standings, the Red Storm are poised to claim their first outright Big East title since 1984-85. This achievement would not only cement Pitino’s legacy as a coaching great but also open the door for the program’s first Final Four appearance since 1991-92.

For UConn, the loss raises serious questions about the Huskies’ ability to reclaim their spot atop the college basketball hierarchy. Hurley acknowledged that his team has “too many flaws” to compete with the elite programs in the sport, a concerning admission for a program that has been a perennial powerhouse. The Huskies will need to regroup and address these issues quickly if they hope to regain their status as one of the nation’s premier teams.

Conclusion

Sunday’s clash at Madison Square Garden marked a significant shift in the balance of power within the Big East Conference. Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm have emerged as the new kings of the league, while UConn’s reign as the conference’s dominant force has come to a crashing halt. The Red Storm’s comprehensive victory over the Huskies was a testament to their growth, resilience, and the transformative impact of Pitino’s leadership. As the college basketball world turns its attention to the stretch run and the NCAA Tournament, the St. John’s Red Storm have firmly established themselves as a team to watch, with the potential to make a deep postseason run and cement their place among the sport’s elite.

More Reading and Sources…

• Indiana basketball coaching search 2025: Candidates, hot board, names to watch from best Hoosiers insiders
• Tomorrow’s Top 25 Today: St. John’s set to rise in college basketball rankings after statement win over UConn
• UCLA vs. Ohio State where to watch: TV channel, college basketball game odds, spread, prediction, pick
• A Change in the Garden: Rick Pitino and St. John’s now rule the Big East as UConn slides off the mountaintop