Providence, R.I. – The St. John’s Red Storm pulled off a thrilling 72-70 comeback victory against the Providence Friars, fueled by Zuby Ejiofor's dramatic buzzer-beater on December 20, 2024. After trailing by as much as 16 points early in the game, St. John’s managed to rally back, showcasing not only their determination but also the evolution of their gameplay under Coach Rick Pitino.
Things looked dire for the Red Storm (10-2, 2-0 Big East) at halftime, as they found themselves down 42-29. But the second half was no walk in the park as St. John’s struggled with their shooting, particularly from the free-throw line where they went just 11-for-26. Coach Pitino emphasized patience to his players, urging them to stay composed as they battled against the Friars' (7-6, 1-1 Big East) lead.
Despite their initial shooting woes, Ejiofor emerged as the star of the match, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds—his fifth double-double of the season. It was his game-winning shot, coming off the offensive rebound from Deivon Smith's missed jumper, which sent the Red Storm home victorious and marked their first road win against Providence since 2017.
"It felt amazing," said Ejiofor, reflecting on his pivotal play. "I’ve never made a buzzer-beater and I’ve always been on the wrong side of a game-winning shot." His performance encapsulated St. John's comeback spirit, as they focused on reclaiming the game with ferocity.
Pitino had pointed out the team's resilience, remarking, "When you’re on the road and you shoot the ball like [we did], you’re going to lose 90-percent of the time." With windows of opportunity often slipping away, the team's focus on creating second chances became the crux of their strategy. They outscored Providence 23-4 on second-chance points, largely thanks to Ejiofor’s relentless pursuit of rebounds.
Initially, it was the Friars who took charge, with Bensley Joseph leading their offense, scoring 17 points and nabbing eight rebounds. Providence carved out their first substantial lead by executing solid offensive runs, knocking down shots early and exploiting St. John’s defensive lapses. The Friars shot 63.0% from the field during the first half, building what seemed to be an insurmountable lead.
Yet, just when it appeared the game was slipping away from St. John's, the Red Storm began to chip away at the deficit. St. John's defensive adjustments allowed them to effectively limit Providence to just 28 points in the second half, showcasing their grit and determination. Coach Pitino highlighted the team’s growth, stating, "I think they’re mentally maturing... [it] shows they can fight through adversity when things are down. They pick each other up, lift each other up, and play off each other."
Every possession seemed pivotal, especially as both teams engaged in see-saw lead exchanges throughout the second half. St. John’s offense, driven by Deivon Smith’s 17 points and RJ Luis’s 16 points, finally found rhythm late, resulting in a thrilling finish.
Joseph's long-range shot tied the game at 70 with just 20 seconds left, setting the stage for the final frantic moments. After Smith’s missed jumper, it was Ejiofor who capitalized on the loose rebound, making the contested layup as time expired. “Zuby’s a monster,” Pitino exclaimed, celebrating the freshman’s decisive play.
Earning this win means more than just the victory itself; it serves as evidence of the team's evolution. Ejiofor remarked, “We feel like we are turning the corner in a lot of areas.” The Red Storm’s character was tested—and they delivered. Despite shooting difficulties—particularly from three-point range where they hit only 3 of 18 attempts—this victory against Providence will be remembered as one where they demonstrated resilience.
Now, with the holiday season approaching, St. John’s will take the opportunity to recharge before returning to action against Delaware on December 28 at Carnesecca Arena, where they will look to build on this momentum.
The victory against Providence has illuminated the potential within this St. John’s team, igniting hopes for what may lie beyond the season. Can they continue this trend and solidify their place within the Big East standings? Time will tell as they head back to New York with their spirits high, preparing for their next challenge.
