St. John’s delivers a statement 92-70 victory over Butler, extending its winning streak to seven games. The Red Storm’s dominant performance, highlighted by a 56% shooting effort and a landmark 901st win for coach Rick Pitino, positions them firmly in the Big East title race.
NEW YORK — No. 25 St. John’s didn’t just beat Butler on Wednesday night; it sent a powerful message to the rest of the Big East. The Red Storm routed the Bulldogs 92-70 at Madison Square Garden, extending their winning streak to a season-high seven games and showcasing why they are a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
Behind a balanced and efficient offensive attack, the Johnnies (16-5, 9-1 Big East) never trailed and opened up a commanding 29-point lead late in the second half. The victory keeps them just one game behind first-place UConn in the conference standings, firmly placing them in the driver’s seat for a potential Big East title.
The star of the show was Dillon Mitchell, who posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. His all-around impact was felt across the stat sheet, adding four assists and three blocks to his performance. Ian Jackson led the scoring charge with 18 points, while Zuby Ejiofor provided a versatile 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks of his own.
What made this performance so dominant was the team’s collective efficiency. St. John’s shot a blistering 56% from the field, including 45% (9-for-20) from beyond the arc. Critically, they turned the ball over just five times, showcasing the poise and discipline of a veteran team. Joson Sanon added 13 points off the bench, further illustrating the Red Storm’s depth.
Pitino’s 901st Win: A Historic Milestone for a Program on the Rise
The win was also a historic one for Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, marking his 901st career victory. The 73-year-old coaching legend was honored in a pregame ceremony for the milestone, which he achieved just two days prior with a dramatic comeback victory over his son, Richard, and Xavier. This win not only adds to his legendary legacy but also signals the remarkable turnaround he has engineered at St. John’s.
St. John’s resurgence has been a story of resilience. The Red Storm, ranked as high as No. 5 in the preseason poll, are now firmly back in the AP Top 25 for the first time since mid-December. Their recent victories over Seton Hall and Xavier were particularly telling, as the team trailed by at least 15 points in the second half of both games before mounting incredible comebacks. This ability to win under pressure is the hallmark of a championship-caliber team.
Butler’s Struggles and the St. John’s-Butler Rivalry
For Butler (13-8, 4-6), the game was a step back after a three-game winning streak that had pulled them out of a four-game skid. Michael Ajayi was a bright spot, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Red Storm’s relentless attack. The loss also means Bulldogs head coach Thad Matta remains one win shy of his 500th career victory.
The rout continues a dominant run for St. John’s in the series. The Red Storm have now won eight consecutive meetings and 11 of the last 12. Their first matchup this season was an 84-70 victory at Butler on Jan. 6, the start of their current winning streak. This latest win solidifies their control over the rivalry and adds another impressive resume-building victory.
What’s Next for the Red Storm?
St. John’s shows no signs of slowing down. Their focus now shifts to a road matchup against DePaul next Tuesday night. The Blue Demons fell 79-66 to the Red Storm in their Big East opener back in December, setting the stage for a potential revenge game. With the Big East race heating up and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament firmly in their sights, every game from here on out is crucial.
This dominant performance over a quality Butler team proves that St. John’s is not just a contender, but one of the most dangerous teams in the country. With Rick Pitino at the helm and a roster playing with confidence and cohesion, the Red Storm are poised to make a deep run in March.
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