St. John’s Triumphs in Big East Title Win After 40-Year Drought
In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, St. John’s men’s basketball team secured the Big East regular-season title outright for the first time in four decades. The No. 7-ranked Johnnies delivered a commanding performance, defeating Seton Hall 71-61 and etching their names in the annals of history.
The victory marked a monumental achievement for the program, as St. John’s claimed its first outright crown since the 1984-85 season under the leadership of legendary head coach Rick Pitino. With confetti swirling down from the rafters, Pitino addressed the jubilant MSG crowd, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the unwavering support of the fans.
“We wanted the Big East crown from the beginning of the year. It was our goal. …We also wanted to make the NCAA Tournament,” Pitino shared, reflecting on the team’s aspirations. “The only surprise I’ve had is all of you, the love you’ve shown me. So thank you.”
The Johnnies, now boasting a commendable 26-4 overall record and an impressive 17-2 standing in the Big East, continue to make waves under Pitino’s guidance. The team’s ascent to the highest rank in the AP Top 25 poll since 1991, coupled with a new program record for Big East regular-season wins, signals a resurgence that has fans buzzing with excitement. Additionally, St. John’s is set to make a long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence.
On-Court Dominance and Determination
St. John’s journey to clinch the Big East crown was a testament to their unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. The team’s emphatic victory over Butler earlier in the week secured a share of the title, but the Johnnies were resolute in their quest for sole ownership of the championship.
“We are not interested in sharing,” Pitino asserted following the triumph over Butler. “I’ll share other things in my life. Not championships.” This unwavering commitment to success permeated the team’s mindset as they geared up for the showdown with Seton Hall.
Leading the charge once again was standout scorer RJ Luis Jr., who tallied an impressive 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field. Junior forward Zuby Ejiofor also delivered a stellar performance, contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds to bolster St. John’s quest for victory.
Despite facing challenges on the offensive end, with subpar shooting percentages from beyond the arc and the free-throw line, the Johnnies demonstrated their defensive prowess by limiting Seton Hall’s scoring opportunities. With a commanding rebounding advantage and a tenacious defensive effort, St. John’s emerged victorious, underscoring their resilience and adaptability on the court.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
As the regular season draws to a close, St. John’s sets its sights on future challenges and opportunities to further solidify its standing in college basketball. A pivotal road game against Marquette looms large on the horizon, offering the Johnnies a chance to enhance their NCAA Tournament seeding and build momentum for the postseason.
With Selection Sunday fast approaching and the stakes higher than ever, Pitino and his squad remain focused on the task at hand. The team’s recent success, coupled with a formidable winning streak since the turn of the year, has instilled a sense of confidence and optimism among players and fans alike.
As Pitino aptly reminded the crowd in a stirring post-game speech, “You’ve gotta remember, we’re just getting started.” The journey to reclaiming glory and making a mark in college basketball history is far from over, and the St. John’s men’s basketball team is poised to seize every opportunity that comes their way.
This momentous victory not only signifies a triumph on the basketball court but also serves as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and spirit of the St. John’s community. As the Johnnies celebrate their historic achievement, the future holds boundless possibilities and promises of even greater success on the horizon.
