Rick Pitino has the Johnnies humming. If you’re asking when does st johns play, you probably already know that Madison Square Garden is currently the center of the college basketball universe. The Red Storm isn't just "back" in a vague, nostalgic sense; they are a legitimate problem for the rest of the Big East.
Honestly, trying to keep track of the schedule this year is a bit of a headache because they’re bouncing between the Garden, Carnesecca Arena, and some high-stakes road environments. We’re currently in the thick of the 2025-26 conference slate.
Whether you’re looking for tonight’s tip-off or planning a trip to Midtown for a February marquee matchup, here is the ground truth on the schedule.
The Immediate Slate: January 2026 Matchups
Right now, the team is riding high after a massive 90-73 statement win over Creighton in Omaha. If you missed that one, you missed Zuby Ejiofor absolutely owning the paint. But there's no time to celebrate because the schedule is relentless.
- January 13 (Tonight): St. John's vs. Marquette at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is set for 6:30 P.M. ET. You can catch this one on Peacock.
- January 17: St. John's at Villanova. They're heading to Philly for an 8:00 P.M. start. This will be a Peacock/NBCSN broadcast.
- January 20: Seton Hall at St. John's. Back at the Garden for a local rivalry. 7:00 P.M. on FS1.
- January 24: St. John's at Xavier. A Saturday matinee at 2:30 P.M. on TNT/truTV.
- January 28: Butler at St. John's. 7:00 P.M. at MSG, streaming on Peacock.
It’s a heavy rotation. One day they're in Cincinnati, the next they're under the bright lights of NYC.
When Does St Johns Play the Big Guns in February?
If you’re a casual fan just looking for the "big" games, February is your month. This is where the seeding for the Big East Tournament—and more importantly, the Big Dance—gets decided.
The date everyone has circled is February 6. That’s when UConn comes to Madison Square Garden. It’s an 8:00 P.M. tip. Expect the Garden to be absolutely electric for that one.
Then, just three days later on February 9, we get the "Pitino Bowl." Rick faces his son, Richard Pitino, and the Xavier Musketeers at MSG. It’s a 6:30 P.M. start. Watching the two of them pace the sidelines is worth the price of admission alone.
Where to Watch: Navigating the TV Mess
Look, I get it. Trying to find the game is harder than it used to be. The new Big East television deal means you can’t just park it on one channel all season.
Basically, you need a three-pronged strategy to never miss a minute. Most games are on FS1 or FOX, which is standard. However, a significant chunk of the 2026 schedule—including tonight’s Marquette game—is exclusive to Peacock.
Then you’ve got the TNT/truTV/Max games. This is part of the new sub-licensing deal. If you have a service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, you're mostly covered for the cable stuff, but you’ll still need that Peacock subscription for the streaming-only windows. Don't forget 1050 AM on the radio if you're stuck in traffic.
Quick Guide to Broadcasters:
- FOX/FS1: The traditional home for Big East hoops.
- Peacock: The new "must-have" for mid-week conference games.
- CBS/Paramount+: Usually reserved for the weekend marquee matchups (like the Kentucky game earlier this season).
- TNT Sports: Handling a handful of the big Saturday slots.
The State of the Program
Why does everyone care so much about when does st johns play this year?
Because Pitino has actually done it. Last season was the proof of concept—31 wins, a Big East title, and a return to relevance. This year, the expectations are through the roof. Zuby Ejiofor has evolved into one of the best big men in the country, and the addition of transfers like Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins has given this roster a depth they haven't had since the 90s.
They currently sit at 12-5 overall and 5-1 in the Big East. That loss to Providence on January 3rd was a wake-up call, but the way they dismantled Creighton on the road showed that this team has a very high ceiling. They aren't just playing to participate; they are playing for a high seed in March.
Pro Tips for Attending Games at MSG
If you're actually going to the games instead of watching on your couch, remember that St. John's is playing 13 games at Madison Square Garden this year. That is a record for the program.
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Getting to the Garden is easy—Penn Station is right underneath it—but the security lines can be a beast if you show up five minutes before tip. Aim to get through the doors at least 45 minutes early. If the game is at Carnesecca Arena out in Queens, that’s a totally different vibe. It’s smaller, louder, and way more intimate. But the "big" ones are almost all in Midtown this season.
Actionable Steps for Red Storm Fans
Stop guessing and start tracking. To make sure you're ready for the rest of the 2026 season, do these three things right now:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Red Storm Sports website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. It updates automatically if a game time shifts for TV.
- Check your Peacock login: Nothing is worse than realizing at 6:28 P.M. that you forgot your password.
- Download the MSG app: If you're attending in person, your tickets are almost certainly digital-only. Get the app set up before you're standing in line with bad cell service.
The road to the Big East Tournament (March 11–14 at the Garden) is going to be wild. This team plays fast, presses hard, and doesn't back down. Make sure you know when they’re taking the court.