St. John’s has demonstrated it possesses the makings of a Big East championship team following its win at UConn. As the clock ticked down to 3:11 in Gampel Pavilion, a wave of disappointed UConn supporters began to leave, witnessing a game that was expected to revive the two-time defending national champions. Instead, it turned into a moment of transition, as the Red Storm from Queens seized the spotlight. “F— it,” one frustrated fan exclaimed, draining the last of his $2 beer, while the Huskies found themselves trailing by eight points after Kadary Richmond, a persistent challenge for UConn throughout his career, sank two free throws.
However, the momentum shifted when Tarris Reed made two free throws and Liam McNeeley scored a runner, narrowing the gap to four. The departing fans hesitated, drawn back to the action as the historic rivals exchanged leads in a frantic finish. The Huskies needed just one defensive stop to have a shot at tying the game. In a pivotal moment, St. John’s assistant coach Bob Walsh orchestrated a clever play to free RJ Luis Jr. for a baseline jumper that sealed the deal, sending the UConn crowd back toward the exits in despair.
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino expressed unwavering confidence in Luis: “[Luis] never met a shot he didn’t like. I was 100 percent sure he would make the shot.” With just 10.1 seconds remaining, Luis’s 17-footer clinched a 68-62 victory for St. John’s, dispelling doubts about the team’s legitimacy. The Red Storm had just defeated No. 11 Marquette and No. 19 UConn in a remarkable four-day span, showcasing their defensive prowess and timely scoring. St. John’s now stands atop the Big East standings, boasting an impressive 21-3 overall record and 12-1 in the league.
UConn head coach Jim Calhoun was visibly frustrated with his team’s performance, particularly their inability to contain the smaller players. “I have no explanation for it — none,” he lamented. “If I did, I would have tried to solve it.” In contrast, Pitino celebrated his team’s resilience, despite being outmatched on the boards and trailing by nine points in the second half. “This is one of the gutsiest teams I’ve ever coached,” he remarked, reflecting on their determination and teamwork.
The Red Storm’s recent performances have elevated them to a position where they can realistically contend for titles, both in the conference and nationally. This turnaround seemed unlikely when Pitino joined from Iona two years ago. The team’s ability to overcome shooting struggles, including a poor free-throw percentage, was evident as they dominated the paint and secured a significant rebounding advantage against Marquette.
Marquette’s head coach Shaka Smart acknowledged the intensity with which St. John’s played, describing it as “incredible violence” and “force.” UConn’s Hurley prepared his players for a tough matchup, encouraging them to adopt a warrior mentality. “It’s gonna be a war,” he warned. The atmosphere in Gampel Pavilion was electric, with the Huskies starting strong, fueled by the return of McNeeley and a passionate crowd.
As the game progressed, St. John’s adjusted their strategy, applying a relentless full-court press that forced UConn into making 22 turnovers. Point by point, they fought back from a 14-point deficit, with Luis and Richmond leading the charge in the second half. Even Hurley conceded that St. John’s physicality was evident at every position.
A missed layup by McNeeley in the closing seconds sealed UConn’s fate, while St. John’s reserve center Ruben Prey waved goodbye to the remaining fans. In the handshake line, the camaraderie among the Red Storm players was palpable, contrasting with the somber mood of the UConn squad. Pitino’s confidence was evident as he stated, “We’ve got it going right now, and we’re not gonna let it slide one bit.”
