Rick Pitino’s squad is officially on a heater. If you’ve been following the Big East at all this month, you know things were looking a little shaky for the Johnnies after they let one slip away against Providence on January 3rd. But fast forward to right now, and the vibe has completely flipped. The St. John's score today reflects a team that has finally found its identity in the most hostile environments imaginable.
Beating Villanova at the Xfinity Mobile Arena isn't just another tally in the win column; it's a statement. The Red Storm walked into Philadelphia and walked out with an 86-79 victory, marking their fourth straight win in conference play. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective.
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The Second Half Blitz That Changed Everything
Honestly, the first half felt like a typical Big East slugfest. Both teams were trading blows, and neither could really find a rhythm. St. John's went into the locker room with a razor-thin 36-35 lead. Villanova was leaning heavily on their outside shooting, hitting five triples in the first twenty minutes, while the Johnnies were largely surviving off grit and points in the paint.
Then the second half started.
If you blinked, you probably missed the 20-4 run that basically blew the doors off the arena. St. John's came out of the tunnel like they were shot out of a cannon. Ian Jackson, the freshman sensation, was the catalyst. He scored the first four points of the half by relentlessly attacking the rim. It wasn't just him, though. The Red Storm scored on 12 of their first 13 possessions. That is some high-level, efficient basketball that you just don't see every day, especially on the road.
Breaking Down the Box Score: Who Stepped Up?
When you look at the St. John's score today, a few names jump off the page immediately. Bryce Hopkins led the way with 20 points, showing exactly why he’s considered one of the most versatile players in the country. He was 6-of-14 from the floor but did the heavy lifting at the charity stripe, going 8-for-10.
- Ian Jackson: 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He was a force in transition.
- Zuby Ejiofor: 17 points and 7 rebounds. He provided the physical presence they needed to neutralize Villanova's frontcourt.
- Dillon Mitchell: 10 points and a massive defensive presence.
The most telling stat? Points in the paint. St. John’s absolutely dominated the interior, outscoring the Wildcats 42-22 in the lane. It’s hard to lose a game when you're getting that many high-percentage looks. Villanova tried to make a late surge, cutting a 17-point deficit down to just five in the final minute, but the Red Storm kept their cool.
Facing the Pressure
Villanova’s Tyler Perkins was a problem all night, finishing with 23 points. Every time it felt like St. John's was going to cruise to a blowout, Perkins or Devin Askew would hit a timely three to keep the Philly crowd alive. Askew was particularly annoying for the Johnnies, chipping in 21 points off the bench.
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However, Joson Sanon hit a couple of "dagger" threes that silenced the building. One of them came right after Pitino called a timeout to stop a Villanova run. That’s the kind of maturity this team was lacking back in December. They aren't panicking anymore. They're responding.
Why This Win Changes the Big East Race
Before this four-game winning streak, people were wondering if St. John's was a "paper tiger." They had the talent, but could they win the tough ones? Well, they’ve now gone on the road and beaten Butler, Creighton, and Villanova. They also dismantled Marquette at home.
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That 0-4 start in Big East play feels like a lifetime ago. Right now, St. John's sits at 13-5 overall and 6-1 in the conference, firmly entrenched in second place behind UConn. This win was a "Quad 1" victory, which is pure gold for their NCAA Tournament resume.
What’s Next for the Red Storm?
There’s no rest for the weary in this league. St. John’s heads back to the Big Apple for a massive showdown against Seton Hall at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, January 20th. That game tips off at 7:00 PM ET on FS1.
If you’re planning on going, expect a sell-out. The hype around this team is reaching a fever pitch, and for good reason. They’re playing a brand of physical, fast-paced basketball that is incredibly fun to watch.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Paint: Keep an eye on how Pitino uses Ejiofor and Mitchell together. Their interior defense is becoming the backbone of this team.
- Free Throw Consistency: While they won today, 21-of-31 from the line is a bit shaky. In closer games, those missed freebies will hurt.
- Tournament Seeding: Keep an eye on the NET rankings tomorrow. This win should push St. John's comfortably into the top 20.
The St. John's score today is a reminder that in college hoops, it's not about how you start; it's about how you evolve. This team is evolving into a nightmare for the rest of the Big East.