St. John’s Triumphs Again, Clinches Big East Title Over UConn

Bassyonni

Published: March 14, 2026 10:57 PM ET

St. John’s Triumphs Again, Clinches Big East Title Over UConn

The St. John’s Red Storm celebrated a significant victory over the UConn Huskies, clinching the Big East title on March 14, 2026. This win marks a milestone, as it is the first time in program history that St. John’s has repeated as champions. With a dominating score of 72-52, the Red Storm showcased their prowess on the court at a sold-out Madison Square Garden.

Key Performance Highlights

The game saw an outstanding performance from Zuby Ejiofor, who finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, seven blocks, and three steals. He was pivotal in the game, responding to a moment when UConn attempted to mount a comeback. As the crowd chanted his name, Ejiofor hit crucial shots, including a 3-pointer, which helped seal the victory.

Supporting Cast Contributions

Dillon Mitchell also contributed significantly, scoring nine points and grabbing nine rebounds.
Bryce Hopkins matched Ejiofor’s point total with 18 points.
Oziyah Sellers added 14 points to the scoreboard.

St. John’s opened the game strong, scoring the first 10 points and maintaining a substantial lead. They effectively capitalized on UConn’s struggles, particularly in the shooting department, with the Huskies shooting just 34 percent from the field and 3-for-18 from 3-point range.

Game Dynamics and Turning Points

The Huskies briefly threatened St. John’s dominance with a 7-0 run early in the second half, narrowing the lead to just 11 points. However, the Red Storm quickly responded and expanded their lead through a combination of offensive execution and tough defense.

Over an impressive stretch, St. John’s surged to a commanding 13-0 run, effectively quelling any hopes for a UConn comeback. This run was highlighted by a windmill slam from Mitchell following a key block by Ejiofor.

Season Overview

This victory is a culmination of a remarkable turnaround for St. John’s, who were previously defeated by UConn earlier in the season by 32 points. Their resilience is evident, having won six consecutive games leading up to the championship, proving their status as champions.

Coach Rick Pitino’s strategy paid off as the team not only capitalized on turnovers but also maintained high shooting efficiency, finishing the game at 50 percent from the field.

Looking Ahead

With this championship win, the St. John’s Red Storm solidifies their position in college basketball. Their victory against UConn will serve as a strong foundation as they prepare for future competitions.