St. John's Ends 24-Year Drought, Advances to Big East Tournament Semifinals
ICARO Media Group
In a commanding performance, St. John's secured their spot in the Big East Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2000 with a resounding 91-72 victory over Seton Hall. The win marks a significant milestone for the Red Storm, who have been plagued by tournament futility for the past 24 years.
From the moment the game began, St. John's looked comfortable and confident on their home court at Madison Square Garden. The team showcased their dominance, leaving no doubt about their intention to advance in the tournament. The Red Storm's impressive performance not only secured their place in the semifinals but also likely secured their spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, marking their return after a two-year absence.
Led by head coach Rick Pitino, St. John's responded to the high stakes of the game with determination and precision, continuing their impressive run of form over the past three weeks. The victory was especially significant, as it marked their first win against Seton Hall in three attempts.
The Red Storm's success can be attributed to their dominance across various aspects of the game. They outperformed Seton Hall on the boards with a 10-point advantage, controlled the paint with a 42-26 scoring advantage, and displayed impressive shooting accuracy, shooting 52 percent from the field. Additionally, their free-throw shooting was nearly flawless, going 19-of-20 from the line.
Standout performances came from Jordan Dingle and Chris Ledlum, both of whom continued their late-season ascent, contributing a combined total of 25 points. RJ Luis was a force to be reckoned with, leading the team with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Joel Soriano had a standout performance with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. The bench provided crucial contributions, with Nahiem Alleyne adding 14 points and Daniss Jenkins tallying 11 points despite limited minutes due to fouls.
Seton Hall, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. While Al-Amir Dawes had a game-high 22 points, the team's other key players, Kadary Richmond and Dre Davis, were unable to make a significant impact, resulting in a limited combined scoring output of 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting.
Despite the loss, Seton Hall remains in a strong position to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. However, their one-sided defeat against St. John's may potentially land them in the First Four play-in games in Dayton.
Looking ahead, St. John's will face their next challenge in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup against second-ranked and top-seeded Connecticut. The game promises to be a blockbuster clash, with both teams vying for a shot at the conference championship.
For St. John's, this victory signifies the end of a long and challenging journey. Their strong performance and breakthrough success in the Big East Tournament have undoubtedly rejuvenated the program, bringing hope and excitement to their devoted fanbase.