Good morning, I’m Dan Gartland. When was the last time Madison Square Garden saw both its basketball teams succeed?
In today’s SI:AM:
St. John’s notable victory
Chiefs’ defensive standout Mahomes
Uncelebrated heroes of the Eagles
Rising Dominance in the Big East
Recall last year’s college basketball scene on Selection Sunday, when voices were raised about St. John’s Red Storm being unfairly omitted from the men’s NCAA tournament? This year, they’re in a far more comfortable position as the brackets approach in just five weeks.
The No. 12 Red Storm triumphed over the No. 13 Marquette Golden Eagles at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, with a score of 70–64, solidifying their top spot in the Big East. St. John’s has matched their previous season’s win record at 20–3 and boasts a conference record of 11–1. This season could be their best in over 25 years.
In the 1980s and ’90s, St. John’s was a powerhouse in college basketball but has seen mostly average performances in the last two decades. Since 2003, they’ve only made three NCAA tournament appearances, the fewest among current Big East teams except for DePaul.
This season tells a different tale. The Red Storm’s No. 12 position in the AP poll is their highest since 1999, when they reached No. 8. Not since 1986 have they achieved 20 wins this early in a season, and Tuesday’s victory over Marquette marks their most significant win so far.
On Tuesday, guard Kadary Richmond, who transferred from Seton Hall, led St. John’s with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Richmond is just one of several key transfers boosting the team’s performance. He’s joined by Deivon Smith, a fifth-year senior on his fourth college team, and Aaron Smith, who transferred from North Texas this season. The team’s top players, RJ Luis and Zuby Ejiofor, also started their careers elsewhere. Luis, now a junior, is the leading scorer averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, having transferred from UMass when Pitino took over. Ejiofor, who played his freshman year at Kansas and joined St. John’s last season, now averages 14.3 points and leads with 8.3 rebounds per game, ranking third in the Big East.
“This team is truly exceptional. They consistently defy the odds in almost every game,” Pitino remarked following the Marquette victory. “Their dedication is incredibly inspiring. It’s been a long while since I’ve witnessed such commitment. I’m deeply grateful to see this level of play; it’s thrilling.”
The collective effort of the Johnnies is evident in their statistics. They dominated the rebounding game against Marquette on Tuesday, winning 50–28. Besides Richmond’s 11 rebounds, Luis and Ejiofor pulled down 11 and 13, respectively. Throughout the season, St. John’s has been exceptional at rebounding, ranking eighth nationally in rebounds per game and 15th in offensive rebound percentage. Their defense is equally formidable, ranking fourth nationally in points allowed per 100 possessions, fourth in blocked shots per game, and 20th in steals per game. Opponents have managed to convert only 43.1% of their two-point attempts against them, the seventh lowest in the nation.
St. John’s is not without its flaws. Their offense ranks 131st nationally in efficiency. They struggle with three-point shooting (ranking in the bottom 20 nationally), free throws, and turnovers. Yet, the results speak volumes. The three losses they’ve experienced this season were by a combined total of five points—all against top-tier teams (against Baylor in double overtime, Georgia, and at Creighton). They face several challenging games ahead, starting with a road game against No. 19 UConn Huskies on Friday, but their achievements so far are already noteworthy.
It’s impressive, yet not surprising. Pitino continues to excel, as he has throughout his career—except during his time with the Boston Celtics. He’s succeeded at Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, and even Iona. While his contemporaries are retiring or struggling to stay relevant, the 72-year-old Pitino is revitalizing a once-great basketball program. When March arrives, don’t be astonished to see him on the sidelines during the NCAA tournament, potentially making his eighth Final Four appearance.
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Jordan Harper brings the world of sports to life with passionate storytelling and insightful analysis. From local matches to international tournaments, Jordan captures the spirit of competition in every piece.
