St. John’s Conference Play Shakes Up Big East, Reveals Major Surprise

The recent commencement of Big East conference play has set the stage for exciting basketball action. Notably, Butler’s dramatic double-overtime win over Providence marked an electrifying start. As the season unfolds, several teams, including Connecticut and St. John’s, are prepared to make significant impacts in the league.

Big East Conference Update

This week, as non-conference games come to an end, league heavyweights Connecticut and St. John’s jump into conference action. A broad analysis reveals clear favorites and rising contenders in the Big East landscape.

Connecticut: A Powerhouse Team

Connecticut tops the list of favorites. The team has successfully retained key players like Solo Ball, Tarris Reed Jr., and Alex Karaban. This continuity has been pivotal in securing victories against ranked teams such as:

• BYU
• Illinois
• Florida
• Kansas

Connecticut’s sole defeat came in a close match against Arizona. Although the squad faced injury challenges, including time lost for Reed and freshman Braylon Mullins, they are anticipated to improve as the season progresses. However, concerns have arisen regarding their interior defense, which could be vulnerable against formidable frontcourt teams like St. John’s.

St. John’s: A Rising Contender

St. John’s has emerged as a top contender in the Big East. Initially ranked fifth, the team experienced a challenging start, facing defeats against notable opponents such as Iowa State, Alabama, and Auburn. Despite these setbacks, the Johnnies have shown defensive improvement recently, successfully limiting Ole Miss and Iona to their lowest scoring outputs of the season.

Despite the inconsistencies, St. John’s ranks among the top nine teams for both offensive and defensive efficiency. Key players such as sophomores Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon have been making substantial contributions. The frontcourt, led by Zuby Ejiofor, remains a significant strength for this squad.

Looking Ahead

Under the guidance of Rick Pitino, St. John’s teams have historically improved as the season progresses. Observers believe this year’s squad will follow a similar trajectory. As the Big East conference play intensifies, all eyes will be on how both Connecticut and St. John’s navigate upcoming games and challenges.