St. John’s Dominates No. 3 UConn for Major Big East Victory
In a stunning upset, St. John’s University defeated the No. 3 ranked UConn Huskies 81-72 on February 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Red Storm. This victory, which took place at Madison Square Garden, was illuminated by an impressive performance from Zuby Ejiofor and solid teamwork, establishing St. John’s as a formidable contender in the Big East Conference.
Key Moments from the Game
St. John’s extended its win streak to nine games, with this match representing its best regular-season triumph under head coach Rick Pitino. Notably, this marks the Red Storm’s first win against a top-three team since 2021, showcasing their progress from early season struggles to serious aspirations for March Madness.
- Final Score: St. John’s 81, UConn 72
- Date: February 6, 2025
- Location: Madison Square Garden
- St. John’s Record: 18 wins, 5 losses (11-1 in Big East)
- UConn’s Record: 22 wins, 2 losses (12-1 in Big East)
Performance Highlights
Ejiofor shone brightly, leading all players with 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals. Dillon Mitchell added 15 points and six rebounds, while Bryce Hopkins contributed 14 points and six rebounds as well.
On the defensive end, St. John’s executed a strategic game plan that involved pressuring UConn’s key players, particularly Silas Demary Jr., who finished with 18 points but struggled with nine turnovers. Ejiofor’s strong presence was vital during critical moments, especially in the final minutes of the game.
Turning Point
The game took a decisive turn during the last four and a half minutes. St. John’s outscored UConn 15-7, effectively shutting down their comeback attempt. After leading by as many as 11 points in the second half, the Red Storm maintained their composure and responded effectively to UConn’s late-game surge.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zuby Ejiofor | 21 | 10 | 7 |
| Dillon Mitchell | 15 | 6 | 2 |
| Bryce Hopkins | 14 | 6 | 1 |
| Silas Demary Jr. (UConn) | 18 | 7 | 5 |
Post-Game Reactions
Coach Pitino praised his team’s resilience and ability to make crucial plays under pressure. “We made a lot of big plays tonight,” he said, emphasizing their mindset of embracing challenges throughout the game.
Ejiofor shared his excitement, noting the significant support from the crowd and the emotions that surfaced after clinching the victory. “It was over, and you realized you beat a really well-coached team,” he reflected. This win not only boosts St. John’s standing in the Big East but also enhances their NCAA Tournament resume.
As the season progresses, St. John’s looks to build on this momentum and position themselves for a strong postseason run.
