St. John’s Stuns No. 3 UConn, Rick Pitino Reaches Historic Win Milestone
In a thrilling Big East showdown at Madison Square Garden, No. 22 St. John’s delivered a stunning upset, defeating No. 3 UConn 81-72 on Friday night. The victory not only propelled the Red Storm to an impressive 18-5 overall record and 11-1 in conference play but also marked a significant milestone in the storied career of head coach Rick Pitino.
Ejiofor’s Dominant Performance Fuels Red Storm Victory
The star of the night was undoubtedly Zuby Ejiofor, who put on a masterful performance for St. John’s. The forward finished with a remarkable stat line of 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals, showcasing his all-around impact on the game. Ejiofor’s efficiency was also noteworthy, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, including one three-pointer, and converting 8-of-10 free throws.
Pitino, visibly elated after the game, playfully threatened retirement, stating to Ejiofor, “You know you’re going to make me retire? Because I’m not living life without you.” The coach later imposed a 5 a.m. curfew on Ejiofor and teammate Dillon Mitchell, a testament to his confidence and the team’s momentum.
Pitino Joins Elite Coaching Company
Beyond the on-court triumph, the win held historical significance for Rick Pitino. The victory tied him with Roy Williams for third place in all-time wins by a men’s college basketball head coach, with a career total of 903. This achievement underscores Pitino’s longevity and consistent success throughout his coaching career. NCAA.com details Pitino’s impressive coaching career.
Red Storm’s Balanced Attack and Ejiofor’s Continued Ascent
While Ejiofor led the charge, St. John’s benefited from a balanced offensive attack. Dillon Mitchell contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Bryce Hopkins added 14 points and six rebounds. Ejiofor, now in his third season with the Red Storm after transferring from Kansas, is averaging 15.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game this season. His development has been crucial to St. John’s success, building on a previous All-Big East campaign where the team secured a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
What does this victory signify for St. John’s tournament prospects? And can Zuby Ejiofor maintain this level of performance throughout the remainder of the season?
St. John’s Basketball: A History of Success
St. John’s University has a rich basketball tradition, boasting a history of legendary players and coaches. The program has consistently been a contender in the Big East Conference, known for its passionate fanbase and competitive spirit. The Red Storm have reached the NCAA Tournament numerous times, including a memorable run to the Final Four in 1985. Learn more about St. John’s basketball history.
The Big East Conference: A Collegiate Basketball Powerhouse
The Big East Conference is widely regarded as one of the premier basketball conferences in the nation. Featuring a collection of historically strong programs, the Big East consistently sends multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament and produces NBA talent. The conference is known for its intense rivalries and competitive matchups, making it a must-watch for college basketball fans. Explore the Big East Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. John’s Upset Victory
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What was the final score of the St. John’s vs. UConn game?
The final score was St. John’s 81, UConn 72.
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How many points did Zuby Ejiofor score in the game?
Zuby Ejiofor scored 21 points for St. John’s.
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What milestone did Rick Pitino achieve with this win?
Rick Pitino tied Roy Williams for third place in all-time wins by a men’s college basketball head coach.
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What is St. John’s record in Big East play this season?
St. John’s is currently 11-1 in Big East play.
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When is St. John’s next game?
St. John’s will play Xavier on Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and the FOX Sports app.
Don’t miss the action! Share this article with fellow basketball fans and join the conversation in the comments below. What are your thoughts on St. John’s chances this season?
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