NEW YORK - Sixth-ranked St. John's made history by winning its first BIG EAST Tournament title since 2000, defeating Creighton 82-66 on March 15, 2025. The game unfolded at the iconic Madison Square Garden, attracting a sold-out crowd of 19,812 fans who were eager to witness the Red Storm's triumph.
The match started favorably for Creighton, which jumped to an early 10-2 lead, prompting quick action from BIG EAST Coach of the Year Rick Pitino. Despite their swift start, Creighton's momentum wavered, with the team going through a freezing spell at one point, managing only one field goal over 11 attempts, allowing St. John's to close the gap, trailing by just three points at halftime.
St. John’s came out stronger after the break, led by RJ Luis Jr., who scored 9 of the team’s first 13 points. A pivotal moment occurred when Luis hit a corner three-pointer bringing the game to 38-all, marking St. John’s first tie with 14:26 remaining. The Red Storm were relentless, later securing their first lead at 43-41 with Vince Iwuchukwu's basket.
After fluctuative scores between both teams, the game shifted decisively with St. John's achieving 14 consecutive field goals within seven minutes. This scoring streak helped the Red Storm establish control, creating the decisive margin at 70-55, allowing them to push through to victory without jeopardizing their lead.
Leading the charge for St. John's was RJ Luis Jr., who scored 29 points and secured 10 rebounds, showcasing his dominance throughout the game. Zuby Ejiofor also shone with 20 points, alongside Kadary Richmond, who contributed 12 points and had 12 rebounds. St. John’s performance was impressive, shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc, marking significant improvement for the team.
On the other side, Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner led his team with 15 points, with Jackson McAndrew contributing 14. Despite their solid start, the Bluejays struggled to maintain momentum, finishing with less than 50 percent shooting from the free throw line, which hindered their ability to catch up once St. John's established its commanding lead.
Post-game, Coach Pitino reflected on the victory's significance. "When you have a lot of experience, you learn what not to do as much as what to do," he remarked, emphasizing the value of his extensive coaching background, which now marks its 24th trip to the NCAA Tournament — the most for any Division I coach. With the victory, St. John's prepares to face the No. 15 seed Omaha (22-12) on March 20, 2025, in the NCAA Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavilion, Rhode Island.
Students, players, and fans alike rallied behind the team, marking the pressure moments leading up to this pivotal tournament. RJ Luis Jr. elaborated on the team’s focus stating, "He’s like a different monster,” referring to Coach Pitino’s intensified approach during the postseason.
The Red Storm embody resilience and determination, traits Pitino stressed throughout their preparation. He instructed, "Alright, you’re in the first round of the NCAA. It’s survive and advance.” This mentality fueled their success through the Big East Championship and now sets the stage for what lies ahead.
Robust practices have shown the team's prowess, showcasing fewer turnovers — averaging only 9.7 across the previous three tournament games, compared to their opponents averaging 14.3. That improved ball control paired with their top defense ranked number one nationally solidifies their potential for success moving forward.
St. John’s effort has been historic, not just for the title but also because the victory reflects their capability to harmonize as a team under pressure. Deivon Smith, emphasizing the readiness required for the tournament, noted, "There's no room for slackers," highlighting the competitive spirit within the squad.
With their eyes set on Omaha, St. John’s does not shy away from the anticipated challenge. If they triumph over Omaha, they are poised to confront the winner between the No. 7 seed Kansas and the No. 10 seed Arkansas. Expectations loom large, with hopes for the Johnnies to not only secure their first NCAA tournament win in 25 years but also advance to the second weekend of the tournament this millennium, making history on multiple fronts.
All attention turns to the weekend of March 20, as fans are eager to see how far the Red Storm's momentum can carry them through the NCAA's chaotic gauntlet. With players showing strong performances and deepening synergy, St. John's, under Rick Pitino’s experienced guidance, could be poised for even greater heights.
