Sports15 March, 20262 min read
St. John's topples UConn to win Big East title
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
St. John's wins the Big East championship at Madison Square Garden. Zuby Ejiofor sheds tears as the senior forward celebrates the title.
1 outlets told this the same way.
Game Overview
St. John's defeated UConn to win the Big East championship in a dominant performance at Madison Square Garden.
“With their fans in a split crowd roaring at The Garden, the Red Storm ran out to a 10-0 lead, built a 17-point cushion late in the first half and went into the break with a 40-27 advantage.”
The Red Storm built a 17-point cushion late in the first half and went into halftime with a commanding 40-27 advantage.
This marked UConn's largest halftime deficit of the season.
UConn struggled offensively, committing 11 turnovers and shooting just 36% from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
St. John's coach Rick Pitino emphasized his team's resilience, telling his players 'Johnnies don't fatigue. Johnnies don't surrender' during a timeout.
The victory was secured by a 13-0 surge down the stretch, capped by another 3-pointer from star player Ejiofor.
Ejiofor drained a 3-pointer before scoring in the post during the decisive stretch for the Red Storm.
UConn Struggles
UConn's performance was marred by offensive struggles and key injuries that impacted their championship hopes.
The Huskies were led by Tarris Reed Jr., who scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half.
Ejiofor provided a strong matchup inside for UConn.
Point guard Silas Demary Jr. suffered a concerning left ankle injury late in the game.
Coach Dan Hurley described the injury as initially appearing to be a 'very mild sprain'.
Hurley expressed hope that 'it's not something that lingers' as the team heads into the NCAA Tournament.
UConn's coach acknowledged his team's poor performance, stating 'We laid an egg. We laid an egg in something we desperately wanted to win.'
St. John's Execution
St. John's championship victory was built on their physical style of play and ability to withstand UConn's late rally.
“All credit to St. John's. They jumped us to start the game,' Hurley said. 'St. John's is built incredibly well to play in this conference.'”
The Red Storm's coach Rick Pitino praised his team's conditioning and toughness.
Pitino noted they are 'built incredibly well to play in this conference.'
After UConn cut the deficit to 49-42 with a 13-2 spurt, Pitino took a timeout and instilled confidence in his players.
The strategy worked perfectly as St. John's responded immediately with Hopkins hitting a jumper.
Ejiofor drained a 3-pointer before scoring in the post during the crucial response.
The team's ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they executed a game-closing 13-0 surge.
Dylan Darling scored the first six points of the run before Ejiofor sealed the victory with another crucial 3-pointer.
Championship Significance
The championship victory represented a significant achievement for St. John's program and their veteran coach Rick Pitino.
The win came in front of a passionate split crowd at Madison Square Garden.
St. John's fans provided a home-court advantage throughout the game.
UConn coach Dan Hurley acknowledged the Red Storm's superior performance.
Hurley admitted his team was outplayed in a game they 'desperately wanted to win.'
The victory was particularly sweet for St. John's as they were able to maintain their lead after building it early.
They prevented UConn from making a complete comeback despite their second-half surge.
The championship adds to Pitino's legacy and provides momentum for St. John's heading into the NCAA Tournament.