St. John’s Triumphs Over Xavier; Pitino Celebrates 900th Win vs. Son
On January 24, 2026, St. John’s University achieved a significant milestone as they celebrated Rick Pitino’s 900th career win. The match against Xavier University at the Cintas Center was filled with drama, showcasing the resilience of the Red Storm. Trailing by 16 points in the second half, St. John’s mounted a remarkable comeback to secure an 88-83 victory.
Historic Win for Rick Pitino
Coach Rick Pitino faced a challenging match, especially with his star player, Zuby Ejiofor, sidelined after fouling out. However, it was Dylan Darling who emerged as the hero. Darling scored five critical points in the final moments, including the decisive three-pointer with just over 50 seconds left on the clock.
Pitino praised his team’s performance, stating, “When your team doesn’t bend, doesn’t break, just keeps staying in there, it’s remarkable.” He noted the enjoyment of coaching this particular team, especially after their successful fightback from a significant deficit.
Game Highlights
- Date: January 24, 2026
- Location: Cintas Center, Cincinnati
- Final Score: St. John’s 88, Xavier 83
Xavier had a solid start, taking a 20-11 lead early on. However, St. John’s stormed back after halftime. Despite being down, they executed a powerful 16-1 run, regaining momentum and eventually taking the lead.
Key Players
- Dylan Darling: Key game-winning three-pointer and vital contributions in the final minutes.
- Bryce Hopkins: Scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
- Dillon Mitchell: Outstanding performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
- Zuby Ejiofor: Contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists before fouling out.
- Tre Carroll (Xavier): Led his team with 31 points.
Atmosphere and Aftermath
The crowd at the Cintas Center played a significant role in the intensity of the game. As the tension heightened, Xavier surged ahead, leading by 14 points at one stage. Yet, St. John’s demonstrated tremendous grit and teamwork to overcome the odds.
Post-game, St. John’s players celebrated with commemorative shirts honoring Pitino’s 900th win. The victory marked a proud moment for Pitino, solidifying his remarkable coaching legacy while providing a thrilling experience for fans and players alike.
