St. John's University has reclaimed its position among the elite of college basketball by winning the Big East Tournament for the first time since 2000, defeating Creighton 82-66 on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This triumph is particularly significant as it marks the Red Storm's first sweep of both the Big East regular season and tournament titles since 1986, signaling a resurgence under head coach Rick Pitino.
After missing the NCAA Tournament for five consecutive years, this victory not only secures the championship but also puts St. John's firmly on the path to achieving at least a two-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The team finished the season with an impressive 30-4 record and 18-2 within the Big East, showcasing their dominance throughout the campaign.
Rick Pitino, now in his second season as head coach, has made significant strides with the Red Storm. The victory over Creighton serves as proof of his successful rebuilding process, wiping away the disappointments of the past. Pitino, who has been lauded for his coaching acumen, emphasized the importance of this title: "This accomplishment is not just about today; it’s about laying the groundwork for the future of St. John's basketball."
St. John's entered the game with momentum, riding a nine-game winning streak. The energy was palpable at Madison Square Garden, with fans filling the arena to support their team. The Red Storm's performance throughout the tournament was underscored by transition baskets and relentless defense, taking control of the game's pace early on.
One of the standout players was RJ Luis Jr., whose contributions on both ends of the court have been pivotal. Luis Jr. managed to keep the momentum going for St. John's, scoring key points at moments when Creighton threatened to regain control. His performance exemplified the growth and potential this team possesses.
Creighton, on the other hand, entered the tournament with aspirations of capturing its own title. Despite their valiant efforts and the talented roster led by standout player Fedor Zugic, the Bluejays could not find the rhythm needed to keep pace with St. John's explosive offense. Zugic's ankle injury during the game worsened the Bluejays’ chances of mounting any substantial comeback.
Throughout the championship, the Red Storm embraced the challenge posed by Creighton. They countered the Bluejays with quick transitions and strategic plays, proving to be the more agile team. Every time Creighton seemed to claw back, St. John's answered decisively.
The significance of this victory extends beyond just the accolades. It embodies the resurgence of St. John’s basketball, rekindling hopes for loyal fans who have longed to see their team back on the national stage. Coach Pitino, known for his previous success at Louisville, has brought renewed excitement and expectations to the program.
With this win, St. John's now heads to the NCAA Tournament with morale and confidence at its peak. The Red Storm has demonstrated they are not only ready to compete but also aim to make waves during their tournament run. Pitino's influence on the team is evident; they play with heart and purpose, qualities necessary for success at this level.
Team captain and senior player Zuby Ejiofor shared his thoughts after the victory: "Winning this title is something we’ve worked so hard for. It’s for every player who has worn this jersey and for all our fans who kept believing no matter what. We want to make them proud." The team's spirit and determination resonate with their fan base, awakening enthusiasm and anticipation.
Analysts are already discussing St. John's potential matchups as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. With the selection committee expected to lean favorably toward teams with strong finishes, St. John's could find itself with advantageous seeding—perhaps even setting them up for prime matchups against other contenders.
Meanwhile, Creighton's tournament ambitions will continue as they await their seeding. Despite the disappointment of not capturing the title, their overall performance assures them of being competitive players moving forward. The team’s coach acknowledged the fight his players exhibited: "I’m proud of our guys; we showed resilience and skill throughout the tournament. This loss stings but will motivate us next season."
Looking forward, both teams are primed for different paths. St. John's aims to dominate the NCAA Tournament and prove they belong among the best. Meanwhile, Creighton hopes to regroup and return stronger next season. The narratives surrounding both programs will be intriguing to watch as they evolve.
The victory of St. John's resurrects fervent hope and enthusiasm for basketball at the university, signaling the start of what could be another golden era for the program. With solid leadership and talented players, the Red Storm have not only claimed this title but laid the foundation for potential future success.