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The start could not have been much better for St. John’s.
The Red Storm jumped on UConn early and never looked back in a commanding 72–52 victory in the Big East championship game at Madison Square Garden. The performance capped another milestone moment in Rick Pitino’s rapid rebuild of the St. John’s program.
From the opening minutes, St. John’s played with the urgency and intensity that Pitino has emphasized all season. The Red Storm pressured the Huskies defensively, limited clean looks and controlled the pace from start to finish.
“There’s so much history with St. John’s and we brought it all back in three years,” Pitino said afterward. “Not only with a high ranking, but the first time in the history of the school to win back to back regular season and back to back tournaments.”
Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins led the balanced scoring effort with 18 points each, while Oziyah Sellers added 14. Dillon Mitchell nearly posted a double double with nine points and nine rebounds as the Red Storm placed four starters in double figures.
Pitino credited the growth of his players throughout the season.
“Every coach wants to see the team get better and peak at the right time,” Pitino said. “But I want to see the individuals get better. These four guys all got a lot better as the season went along.”
The defensive pressure proved decisive as St. John’s held UConn to just 34 percent shooting and only three made three pointers.
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Pitino said the team’s relentless full court pressure helped wear the Huskies down.
“Sometimes the press doesn’t get you turnovers, but what it does get you is the fatigue element,” Pitino said. “Their jump shot is not as good because you wear them down.”
Late in the game, Pitino even reminded his players of the identity he wants them to carry.
“I told them in the timeout, Johnnies don’t get tired,” Pitino said. “Keep the pressure on them.”
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Before the postgame press conference began, Pitino was seen taking a well deserved gulp of beer while seated at the podium with the championship trophy nearby. The moment felt especially fitting, almost like a celebratory toast to the program’s history and to Red Storm legend Lou Carnesecca, who passed away in November 2024, and the great Joe Lapchick.
The Godfather casually drinking a beer during the postgame presser. #SJUBB pic.twitter.com/sW1o7QjBeL
— Johnnies Highlights (@JohnniesTape) March 15, 2026“I know Louie is looking down on us with great pride,” Pitino said. “Joe Lapchick is looking down on us with great pride as well.”
With the Big East title secured, St. John’s now turns its focus to the upcomingTournament with plenty of momentum and confidence.
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