Overview
- Tip-off is noon ET on FS1 at Madison Square Garden, with both teams 1-0 after lopsided season-opening wins.
- Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr., who missed Alabama’s opener, are expected to play per Nate Oats, while St. John’s guard Dylan Darling has been managing a right calf strain.
- Pitino called Alabama “the most unique team to play in the country,” noting the Tide’s rapid-shot approach that can see attempts within eight or nine seconds of a possession.
- St. John’s retooled core has produced early returns, with Dillon Mitchell (18), Ian Jackson (15) and Joson Sanon (14) contributing in the opener alongside preseason Big East player of the year Zuby Ejiofor.
- Pitino urged fans on X to “rock the Garden” as St. John’s begins a tougher nonconference slate at MSG, where the Red Storm went unbeaten last season, while Alabama starts a gauntlet that includes Purdue, Illinois and Gonzaga.