Dylan Darling’s Clutch Performance Lifts St. John’s to Victory
In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden, St. John’s claimed an impressive 81-72 victory over third-ranked UConn. Dylan Darling emerged as the star of the night, showcasing his clutch performance when his team needed it most.
Dylan Darling’s Clutch Performance
With just over three minutes left in the game, Darling hit a crucial step-back three-pointer that extended St. John’s lead to five points. Following that, he assisted Zuby Ejiofor for a much-needed basket. These pivotal moments highlighted Darling’s ability to perform under pressure, a trait he has demonstrated throughout the season.
The Impact of the Win
St. John’s solidified its position as the No. 22 team in the nation with this win. Coach Rick Pitino praised Darling’s performance, stating, “His level of wanting to take over a game is amazing to me.” He noted Darling’s decisive plays, including a significant steal that turned the momentum in their favor.
- Darling scored all nine of his points in the second half.
- He recorded two assists, both during critical moments of the game.
- His defensive skills contributed to forcing 15 turnovers from UConn.
Historical Context
This victory marked St. John’s third consecutive win over UConn. The last time the Red Storm achieved this was during the 1999-2000 season. The team also enjoyed a significant advantage in free-throw attempts, with 31 free-throw opportunities compared to UConn’s 12.
UConn’s coach, Dan Hurley, acknowledged Darling’s influence in the game, saying, “He made a huge difference.” He also expressed concern about the off-court officiating but chose not to dwell on it.
With this win, Pitino notched his 903rd career victory, tying him with Roy Williams for third place on the all-time wins list. St. John’s will face Xavier next, where Pitino aims for his 904th win against his son, Richard.
