St. John’s Red Storm basketball team has taken a giant leap towards the Big East title with an impressive 89-75 victory over the UConn Huskies, celebrated in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden. This game, played on February 23, 2025, marks a significant milestone as it represents St. John’s first clean sweep of UConn in 25 long years. The victory is more than just a win; it brings them closer to claiming their first outright Big East regular-season title since way back in 1985.
Dominant Performance at Madison Square Garden
From the very beginning of the game, St. John’s showcased their strength and determination. The Red Storm raced out to a commanding 50-32 lead by halftime, establishing control that UConn found hard to overcome. Star players Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor led the charge, both contributing 18 points each to help secure this vital victory for the team. The energy in Madison Square Garden was electric, as fans celebrated a promising season.
Key Players Make Their Mark
St. John’s success can be largely attributed to the collaboration of its starters. Besides Richmond and Ejiofor, RJ Luis Jr. also joined in the scoring frenzy with a solid 14 points. As the team continues to build momentum, this cohesive effort from its players proves that they are ready to tackle the challenges ahead. St. John’s clearly demonstrated their capability to rely on multiple players instead of depending solely on one star.
UConn Struggles with Turnovers
Despite their reputation as fierce competitors, UConn faced significant challenges during the game. They committed a whopping 18 turnovers, which resulted in 24 points for St. John’s, significantly hampering their chances of a comeback. UConn’s Alex Karaban did lead his team in scoring with 17 points, but the overall performance fell short as they missed numerous layups and struggled offensively. The lack of precise execution became a critical factor that allowed St. John’s to maintain their lead.
Eyes Set on Big East Championship
This victory not only solidifies St. John’s position but also sets them on a clear path towards clinching the Big East conference title. The team now needs just one more win or a loss from Creighton to ensure a share of the title, marking a triumphant return to glory for a program once known for its long-standing success.
Looking Ahead
With this historic win, the Red Storm are not just rewriting their own stories, but they are also crafting a path toward a future filled with promise. As they glance towards the remaining games in the season, their fans remain hopeful and excited to see how far this team can go. Each victory now means more than just the numbers on a scoreboard; it symbolizes a resolution to reclaim a once-great legacy in college basketball.
St. John’s Statistics vs. UConn
| Team | Points | 3-Point Shooting | Turnovers | Field Goals Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | 89 | 40% | 8 | 30 |
| UConn | 75 | 30% | 18 | 28 |
Exciting Times for Fans
The victory at Madison Square Garden is a reminder of the community’s support, showcasing how sports can inspire and uplift fans. St. John’s will keep pushing, striving for that coveted title, and the fans will undoubtedly remain right behind them, cheering every step of the way.
