St. John's Ends UConn's 18-Game Streak in Madison Square Garden Thriller

St. John's delivered a stunning upset, defeating No. 3 Connecticut 81-72 at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. This victory not only ended the Huskies' impressive 18-game winning streak but also marked St. John's ninth consecutive win. It was their first triumph against a top-three team since 2021.

"This victory marks St. John's ninth consecutive win and its first against a top-three team since 2021."

Coaches Reflect on Hard-Fought Battle

Coach Rick Pitino expressed his pride in the team for their composure throughout the game. St. John's closed out the game by outscoring Connecticut 15-7 in the final 4:46, handing UConn its first loss this season when playing at full strength.

UConn coach Dan Hurley acknowledged the intense challenge posed by St. John's. He described the game as "as hard a game as we’ve had to play all year."

St. John's Maintains Composure Amidst UConn Rally

St. John's had established a significant 11-point lead in the second half. However, UConn mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to a single point with a swift 16-5 run.

Despite the pressure, St. John's maintained composure, responding with key plays from Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Dylan Darling to stem the tide. The home team started the second half strong, with a 16-6 run that extended their lead to 10 points. St. John's consistently answered each of Connecticut's rally attempts, securing their hard-earned victory.

Standout Performances

Zuby Ejiofor was a primary performer for St. John's, delivering an all-around effort with 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals. Dillon Mitchell contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Bryce Hopkins added 14 points and grabbed six rebounds. Dylan Darling, making an impact exclusively in the second half, scored nine points and provided two assists.

For Connecticut, Silas Demary Jr. led his team with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. However, he also committed nine turnovers, a factor Pitino noted was part of their strategic pressure.

Strategic Edge and Physical Play

St. John's effectively capitalized on their opportunities, scoring 16 points from second-chance efforts and converting 15 UConn turnovers into 20 points.

UConn coach Hurley commented on the physical play of St. John's frontcourt, highlighting the intensity of the matchup. Pitino's strategy to pressure Demary Jr. throughout the game proved effective in disrupting UConn's offense.