Sport

St. John's Red Storm Triumphs Over Marquette, Earning Spot in Big East Championship for First Time in 25 Years!

2025-03-15

Author: Ken Lee

St. John's Upsets No. 25 Marquette at Madison Square Garden

In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, the St. John's Red Storm stunned the No. 25 Marquette Golden Eagles with a commanding 79-63 victory on March 14, 2025. The night belonged to Zuby Ejiofor, who not only scored a career-high 33 points but also set a new St. John's record in the Big East Tournament.

Historic Advancement to the Championship Game

With this win, the sixth-ranked Red Storm (29-4) advanced to the conference championship game for the first time in a quarter-century, a significant moment for a program that has been rejuvenated under the guidance of legendary coach Rick Pitino, who at 72, is leading the team to remarkable success. The Red Storm are on an impressive eight-game winning streak and have won 18 of their last 19 games since the start of the year.

Key Players Shine in the Matchup

Alongside Ejiofor, Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. contributed 13 points, while Kadary Richmond recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. After trailing by 15 points in the first half, the Red Storm showcased their resilience, coming back strong to dominate the latter part of the game.

Marquette's Struggles Against St. John's

The Golden Eagles (23-10) struggled against the Red Storm this season, suffering losses in all three matchups and lowering their all-time record against St. John's in the Big East Tournament to 1-6. Kam Jones stood out for Marquette with 24 points, but the team's inability to capitalize in the paint and their cold shooting streak ultimately cost them the game. They started hot from beyond the arc, making 5 of their first 10 3-point attempts, but faltered by missing 12 consecutive shots, allowing St. John's to seize control.

St. John's Unmatched Home Advantage

St. John's remarkable performance at home is one for the history books. With a perfect 20-0 record at home this season, including 11-0 at Madison Square Garden—marking their best performance at this iconic venue since the 1958-59 season—the Red Storm are making a strong case for a No. 2 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Looking Ahead: Championship Showdown Against Creighton

The championship game will see St. John's face off against No. 2 seed Creighton, who secured their spot with a 71-62 victory over third-seeded UConn. As St. John's aims for their first Big East Tournament title since 2000, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.

A Resurgent Program Poised for Glory

This incredible victory not only boosts the confidence of St. John's but also highlights a potential resurgence for a program long associated with greatness, now within sight of reclaiming its former glory. Can they secure the championship and make a splash in the NCAA Tournament? The countdown to Saturday night begins!