In a remarkable display of skill and determination, St. John's University has reclaimed its place at the pinnacle of college basketball. Under the expert guidance of Rick Pitino, the Red Storm captured their first Big East Tournament title in 25 years, defeating Creighton 82-66 in front of an electrifying crowd at Madison Square Garden. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the program but also restores pride among its loyal fans.
RJ Luis Jr. was the standout player of the night, scoring an impressive 29 points, with 27 of those coming after halftime. His performance included a remarkable stretch where the Red Storm made 14 consecutive shots from the field, showcasing their offensive prowess. "Wow, this is incredible just to come from last year to this year and to see the transformation," Luis expressed, crediting Coach Pitino as the "mastermind" behind their success. The victory propels St. John's to an automatic bid in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, their first appearance since 2019.
At 72 years old, Coach Pitino has made history by becoming the first coach to lead six different programs to the NCAA Tournament, including Boston University, Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, and Iona. After guiding St. John's to a regular-season championship earlier this month, the achievement is a testament to his coaching prowess and ability to rebuild programs. "Great win for the city. Great win for our university. You hear it all along that it’s New York’s team, and it truly is," Pitino stated proudly.
In addition to Luis, Zuby Ejiofor and Kadary Richmond played pivotal roles in the championship game, scoring 20 and 12 points respectively. Richmond also tallied 12 rebounds, emphasizing the team's collective effort. Their performances earned them spots on the All-Tournament team, further highlighting the depth of talent within the Red Storm roster. "The three of them have been unstoppable," said Pitino, reflecting on their contributions throughout the tournament.
For Creighton, this loss marks a continued struggle in championship games, as they have now fallen to 0-5 in Big East title matches since joining the conference in the 2013-14 season. Coach Greg McDermott acknowledged the difficulty of reaching this stage, stating, "It’s hard to get to this game, let’s be honest." Despite Ryan Kalkbrenner contributing 15 points, the Bluejays were unable to overcome the Red Storm's momentum.
The victory not only signifies a successful season but also a return to glory for St. John's basketball. The team celebrated by cutting down the nets, a symbolic act representing their hard-earned success. This win is particularly poignant as it honors the legacy of former coach Lou Carnesecca, who passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday. "I’m thinking he would be so proud of this team," Pitino remarked, reflecting on the historical significance of the moment.
As St. John's prepares for the NCAA Tournament, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. The Red Storm has won nine consecutive games and finished the season with a remarkable home court record of 21-0. With expectations high, the team is aiming for a high seed in the tournament, potentially a No. 2. "We still have a lot to prove. We’re not done," Ejiofor stated, emphasizing the team's determination to continue their winning streak.
In summary, Rick Pitino's successful return to St. John's basketball has reinvigorated the program, leading to significant achievements that resonate deeply with fans and the New York community. As they head into the NCAA Tournament, the Red Storm is poised to make a strong impact, reminding everyone that they are once again a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
