Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Pitino Faults Recruiting After St. John’s 78–66 Loss to Kentucky, Labels Team ‘Decent’

He said the absence of a big-time point guard cost the Red Storm, with Kentucky’s healthier lineup turning the game after halftime.

Dec 16, 2025; Queens, New York, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino yells out instructions in the first half against the DePaul Blue Demons at Carnesecca Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
St. John's Rick Pitino is disappointed in his own recruiting at the point guard position.
Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; St. John Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino shows emotion against the Kentucky Wildcats in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; St. John Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino reacts to a call against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Overview

  • St. John’s committed 12 turnovers, including eight after halftime, and went nearly nine minutes without a field goal as a 32–25 lead evaporated.
  • Kentucky finished with a 36–24 rebounding edge, including 16 offensive boards, and poured in 53 second‑half points to pull away in Atlanta.
  • Rick Pitino placed responsibility on his staff’s recruiting, saying they “lost out on four different big-time point guards” and must manage ball-handling collectively.
  • Pitino defended Mark Pope and told reporters to recalibrate expectations for Kentucky given injuries, noting the lift from returning contributors Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quaintance.
  • The result moved St. John’s to 7–4 and Kentucky to 8–4, with the Red Storm hosting Harvard on Tuesday before Big East play begins.