In an electrifying matchup at Madison Square Garden on February 23rd, 2025, the St. John’s Red Storm took home a thrilling victory against their long-time rivals, the UConn Huskies, winning the game with a score of 89-75. This win wasn’t just any victory; it marked the first time in a whole 25 years that St. John’s managed to sweep UConn in their season series, a feat last accomplished during the 1999-2000 season. Their impressive performance brings them one step closer to clinching the Big East regular season title for the first time since 1985.
A Strong Performance Leads to Victory
The game showcased the skill and teamwork of the St. John’s players, with standout performances from Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor, each scoring 18 points during the game. Notably, every starter contributed significantly, with RJ Luis adding 14 points and Deivon Smith helping out with 12 points along with 8 assists and 7 rebounds. The Red Storm built a commanding lead in the first half, outscoring UConn 50-32, which set the tone for the rest of the game.
UConn Struggles Amid Turnovers
UConn found themselves struggling throughout the match, committing 18 turnovers which allowed St. John’s to score an impressive 24 points off those mistakes. Their top player, Liam McNeeley, had an off night, shooting only 2-for-13 from the field, contributing to their overall difficulties. Although UConn did attempt a comeback in the second half, it wasn’t enough to erase the deficit and they ultimately fell short.
Upcoming Challenges for St. John’s
- With this significant win, St. John’s is now eyeing a potential outright Big East title.
- A victory against Butler in their next game would secure at least a share of the title for St. John’s.
- The team is on an incredible journey this season, rallying fans with chants of “We Want UConn!” during their previous matchups.
Fan Excitement and Historic Moments
The energy in Madison Square Garden was palpable, with Red Storm fans cheering loudly for their team. This victory brings an exciting moment for the St. John’s community, celebrating not only the success of their team but also a long-standing rivalry with UConn. It is moments like these that can change the course of a season, and for St. John’s, the stakes are higher than ever as they aim to make history.
What This Victory Means
As the Red Storm moves forward, they are looking to capitalize on their momentum to wrap up the season strong. The importance of their upcoming match against Butler cannot be overstated, as it could determine their championship standing in the conference. Fans are excited, and expectations are high as this team continues to work toward their goals both in the conference and beyond.
