St. John’s Surprising Performance Against UConn
NEW YORK — It was a remarkable day at Madison Square Garden, where St. John’s Red Storm delivered a scathing 89-75 defeat to the two-time defending national champions, the UConn Huskies. The game was a stark reminder that in basketball, the numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Despite entering the game ranked 343rd in the country for 3-point field goal percentage, St. John’s hit seven 3-pointers before the corner triple that finally broke UConn’s spirit. The shot, buried from the left corner with just 1:36 left in the first half, left the Huskies and their coaching staff in disbelief. UConn’s Associate Head Coach Kimani Young, known for his excellent game plans, could only throw up his hands in a mix of disgust and disbelief. The Red Storm tallied 24 points from beyond the arc in less than 19 minutes, an unexpected offensive surge that sealed their fate early in the game.
The Game Plan Backfires
UConn’s strategy was built on the statistical assumption that St. John’s poor 3-point shooting would lead to easy misses. Coaches were confident that players like RJ Luis Jr. (26.6%), Kadary Richmond (21.9%), Aaron Scott (29.7%), and Simeon Wilcher (30.8%) would not pose a significant threat from the perimeter. Instead, Hurley and his staff focused on preventing the Red Storm from bullying their way into the lane. This plan seemed mathematically sound until it was proven otherwise. St. John’s not only scored an impressive 50 points in the first half but also built a 22-point lead in the opening minutes of the second half. The combination of their shooting accuracy and stifling defense, which included 11 blocks and 11 steals, made UConn’s task nearly impossible. The Huskies managed just 39% shooting, a testament to the Red Storm’s defensive prowess. "If they shoot the ball like that from the perimeter, they’re going to be a problem for anyone," Hurley admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.
The Role of Deivon Smith
The resurgence of St. John’s offensive capability can be traced to the return of point guard Deivon Smith, a lightning-quick transfer from Utah who had been sidelined with shoulder and neck injuries. Smith’s speed and agility off the dribble forced UConn’s defense to rotate, opening up opportunities for St. John’s shooters. Smith’s eight assists, five of which in the first half led directly to 3-pointers, were crucial. Luis, Scott, and even the rarely used Liotopoulos benefited from Smith’s playmaking. "Deivon Smith is so fast off the dribble," Hurley said. "He’s like an American ninja, you know? These guys, you’ve gotta pick your poison. It’s a dangerous proposition, and you play the numbers." Despite their statistical shortcomings, the Red Storm’s shooting prowess on this day was undeniable, and it was a significant factor in their dominant performance.
The Fan Support at Madison Square Garden
The energy at Madison Square Garden was palpable even before the game began. Thousands of UConn fans arrived in New York by train, mingling with a fan base that has been reinvigorated by St. John’s resurgence under Rick Pitino. The crowd, which numbered 19,812, was electric and clearly favored Pitino’s team. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of celebrities like film director Spike Lee and former New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, both of whom were ensnared by Pitino’s gravitational pull. Chants of "Let’s go Johnnies!" and "F— UConn!" rang through the arena during the national anthem, and the public address announcer’s declaration of "This is our house! This is our court! This is our city!" echoed with a sense of newfound ownership. The Red Storm student section, passing around a cardboard cutout of notable alum Mike Repole, the billionaire booster spearheading the program’s NIL efforts, added to the raucous environment. The crowd’s enthusiasm was a clear sign of the program’s revival and the strong support it has garnered.
The Second-Half resilience
UConn managed to generate a brief sliver of momentum in the second half, narrowing the deficit to nine points at 62-53 with 12:36 remaining. Pitino, sensing the shift, called a timeout and reminded his team of the numerous close games they had won this season, including eight single-digit victories. Zuby Ejiofor, the Red Storm’s hulking center, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, stepped in with a crucial message. "We don’t wilt," he told his teammates, words that Pitino firmly endorsed. True to their word, the Red Storm surged back, pushing the lead to 20 points in the waning minutes. Ejiofor’s contributions were particularly vital when the team cooled off from 3-point range, providing the necessary ballast to maintain their lead. The final whistle marked a decisive win for St. John’s, leaving the Huskies dejected and questioning their season’s direction.
A Plea for the Big East Title
For Pitino and his team, the win was more than just a numbers game; it was a statement of intent. The Red Storm are now within striking distance of capturing their first outright Big East title since 1985, a goal that has renewed excitement among the fans. Pitino, visibly emotional, noted the return of the fan base, which has supported the team in a way he never expected. "We want this Big East crown badly," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Not only for the players, but for the fans who came back like I never expected. So we’re very excited about being in the hunt." The victory at Madison Square Garden, a venue where UConn has historically thrived, serves as a strong indicator of the Red Storm’s potential to make a deep run in March and possibly even April. It’s a season to watch, with St. John’s proving that they are more than just a statistical anomaly—they are a force to be reckoned with.
