St. John’s Dominates Quinnipiac, Emerges as National Championship Contender

Bassyonni

ago 5 hours

St. John’s Dominates Quinnipiac, Emerges as National Championship Contender

St. John’s University launched its highly anticipated basketball season with a strong statement, overwhelming Quinnipiac University with a dominant 108-74 victory. The game, held on November 3, 2025, at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, showcased the Red Storm’s potential as a national championship contender.

Dominant Performance Against Quinnipiac

Prior to the game, returning players received diamond-encrusted rings in celebration of last season’s Big East titles. Head Coach Rick Pitino, addressing the crowd, emphasized their goal, stating, “We are all after the biggest prize of them all,” referring to the national championship.

The fifth-ranked Red Storm quickly established their dominance, scoring 19 of the first 24 points. They maintained an impressive pace, shooting 57 percent in the first half and outpacing Quinnipiac significantly.

Key Players and Highlights

Several players stood out in the matchup:

Dillon Mitchell: Led the team with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
Zuby Ejiofor: Contributed 17 points and six rebounds, successfully limiting Quinnipiac’s Amarri Monroe to 10 points on just 4-of-13 shooting.
Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon: Combined for 29 points and four three-pointers.

The team’s dynamic play in transition was evident as they accumulated 44 transition points, including eight dunks and a remarkable 25 assists, with Dylan Darling leading with six assists.

Coach Pitino’s Perspective

Coach Pitino expressed satisfaction with his team’s aggressive mentality throughout the game. Despite some shortcomings, including 14 turnovers and 12 missed free throws, he noted that the team’s intensity was a positive sign. “We made our mistakes, but overall, I can’t be more pleased,” he remarked.

Quinnipiac’s coach, Tom Pecora, acknowledged St. John’s as playing at a Top 10 caliber, unable to match the Red Storm’s athleticism and pace.

Looking Ahead

With a demanding matchup against the 15th-ranked Alabama team approaching, St. John’s has a solid foundation to build upon. The success against Quinnipiac sets a high bar as they continue to chase their championship aspirations. Players are motivated, with Mitchell declaring, “We have the team to do it. It starts every day in practice.”