The return to national prominence was a bit rocky at first for No. 22 St. John’s, but the Johnnies found their footing just in time. Trailing Wagner at halftime, the Red Storm unleashed a furious 18-0 run to seize control and notch a 66-45 victory on Wednesday night at Carnesecca Arena in Queens.
It marked St. John’s first win as a ranked team in nearly a decade, a drought that dates back to December 28, 2014 when they topped Tulane. The Red Storm (3-0) entered the AP Top 25 this week for the first time since January 2019.
Pitino pleased with poise, not perfection
For Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, now in his second year at St. John’s, it was his first time directing a ranked squad since 2017 at Louisville. And while Pitino expressed satisfaction with the end result, he knows his team has much room for improvement.
I’m impressed, even though we’re much more talented than Wagner. They turned up the heat and made shots, and they were very poised when it counted.
– Rick Pitino on his team’s composure
The Johnnies shot just 18-for-30 (60%) from the foul line and led only 39-37 before Deivon Smith ignited the game-changing 18-0 blitz with a transition 3-pointer. Kadary Richmond, a ballyhooed transfer from Seton Hall, provided a key block and assist during the surge despite finishing with a modest stat line off the bench.
Gauntlet of ranked foes looms
St. John’s will need to elevate its game considerably with a brutal stretch of the non-conference schedule on deck:
- vs New Mexico (3-0) on Sunday at MSG, coached by Pitino’s son Richard
- vs No. 12 Baylor next Thursday in the Battle 4 Atlantis (Bahamas)
- vs No. 11 Tennessee or Virginia in the Bahamas next Friday
I don’t know how good we are. I don’t know. It’s a question mark right now. So, we’re going to find out.
– Pitino on the challenging road ahead
The showdown against New Mexico will pit Pitino against his son for the fourth time. Rick holds a 2-1 edge in the family rivalry, with both wins coming when he coached at Louisville. Richard got payback two years ago when his Iona squad toppled Rick’s.
They’re capable of beating us, I know that. I never have thought of disowning a son, but it may come to that.
– Pitino joking about facing his son Richard
Defense reigns supreme early
While the offense sputtered for much of the night, St. John’s relied on its stifling defense to subdue Wagner. The Red Storm limited the Seahawks to a paltry 29% shooting, including a 5-for-24 (21%) brickfest from 3-point range.
We contested almost every shot. I think we’re ready defensively. I think offensively we’ve just got to get a feel for each other a little bit more.
– Pitino on his team’s lockdown defense
The defensive focus and ability to keep their composure in a tight game are positive signs for a St. John’s program with high expectations. But Pitino knows stiffer competition awaits to truly gauge where his team stands.
RJ Luis Jr. paced the Red Storm with 13 points off the bench, while Richmond, projected as an NBA draft pick, deferred to teammates and notched 7 assists. The pieces are there for St. John’s to make noise, but the chemistry and consistency still need refining.
I am excited. I like my team a lot. But it’s the unknown right now. We’re going to be in some very close games. We’re going to have to make free throws and execute.
– Pitino emphasizing areas to improve
The road back to relevance is lined with potholes and ranked landmines. But for one night, St. John’s took an important first step, shaking off the rust and inexperience to pass the Wagner test. The next exam comes Sunday against New Mexico, with the whole Pitino family watching intently.
