St. John’s Winning Streak Ends with Crushing 32-Point Loss to UConn
The St. John’s Red Storm faced a humiliating defeat against the UConn Huskies on February 25, 2026. This marked the end of St. John’s impressive 13-game winning streak, a run that had not been seen since the program’s 1984-85 Final Four season. The Red Storm lost by a staggering 32 points, finishing the game at 40, the fewest points scored under coach Rick Pitino.
Game Overview
Despite their previous success, the Johnnies were outmatched at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut. They struggled to keep up with UConn’s intensity, which was critical for the Huskies as they fought to maintain their Big East title hopes. St. John’s shot only 20% from the field and missed their last 24 attempts, with scoring droughts extending up to 10 minutes.
Key Statistics
- Final Score: UConn 72, St. John’s 40
- St. John’s Record: 20-6 overall, 15-2 in the conference
- UConn Record: 26-3 overall, 16-2 in the conference
- St. John’s Points in the Paint: 12
- UConn’s Best Player: Tarris Reed Jr. (20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 blocks)
- Top Scorer for St. John’s: Joson Sanon (10 points)
Coach Pitino’s Reflection
Following the defeat, Coach Rick Pitino took full responsibility for the performance. He expressed disappointment over the team’s failure to replicate their winning habits. Pitino stated, “It’s all on me,” reflecting on the unprecedented nature of such a loss during his coaching career.
Team’s Response and Future
Player Zuby Ejiofor emphasized the urgency to forget the game and focus on their next opponent, Villanova. He pointed out the challenge of bouncing back after such a poor showing. “Championship-level teams respond in a positive way,” he stated, signaling the need for improvement.
The Red Storm has a crucial game ahead as they aim to regain momentum and control their destiny in the Big East standings. Success against Villanova would help them share the conference title and secure their position in the upcoming tournament.
This loss against UConn serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the importance of maintaining competitive intensity throughout the season. The Red Storm now has the opportunity to regroup and refocus their efforts in the remaining games.
