St. John’s has triumphed over Creighton, securing their first Big East Tournament title in 25 years. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, with chants of “Let’s Go Johnnies” echoing throughout the arena. Rick Pitino delivered on his promise to bring glory back to New York City, moving fans to tears as they celebrated this long-awaited victory.
The long journey for St. John’s basketball to reclaim its place at the top of the Big East is finally complete. In a moment that would make legendary coach Lou Carnesecca proud, the Red Storm showcased their determination and grit in a decisive 82-66 win.
This championship marks the first time since 2000 that St. John’s has claimed the Big East Tournament title. The team demonstrated their trademark resilience, especially in the second half, where they outscored the Bluejays 57-38 after a sluggish start.
As the game progressed, the Red Storm found their rhythm. After shooting only 11-for-33 in the first half, they surged ahead when it mattered most. This team has a knack for stepping up when opponents begin to falter.
“We’re just a bunch of fighters … a bunch of dogs,” RJ Luis, a junior guard for St. John’s, stated after the victory. “We’re very hungry. We want to win. The goal this year was to win, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Luis, who earned the title of Big East Player of the Year, delivered a pivotal three-pointer that pushed the Red Storm ahead 52-48 with under nine minutes left. His exuberance led to a technical foul, but it sparked an offensive explosion, as St. John’s hit their next 14 field-goal attempts.
Luis finished the night with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while teammates Zuby Ejiofor and Kadary Richmond contributed significantly with 20 points and 12 points, respectively. Richmond also secured 12 rebounds and four assists, showcasing his all-around game.
After a slow start, Luis came alive in the second half, scoring 27 points after halftime and earning the honor of Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
The packed house at Madison Square Garden, adorned in St. John’s red, became a fortress for the team. The belief their coaches instilled in them was palpable and essential to their success.
“The energy was special here,” Luis remarked after the game. “Ain’t nothing like playing in New York in the mecca of basketball. It’s very special.”
As confetti rained down at Madison Square Garden, a sense of destiny enveloped New York City. The years of longing for a winning team have been replaced by the triumph brought forth by Pitino.
With a remarkable record of 19-1 since the start of the calendar year, the Johnnies have proven they are a formidable force. The Big East crown is theirs, and the celebration is a quarter-century in the making.
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