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5h ago

Pitino Faults Recruiting, Staff After St. John’s Falls to Kentucky 78–66

He says the absence of a true point guard has forced makeshift ball-handling that fell apart during the decisive second half.

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 dropped to 7-4 with the nonconference loss to Kentucky at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
  • Rick Pitino called the roster gap “our fault in recruiting,” saying the program lost out on four top point guards and blaming his staff for not securing a floor general.
  • The Red Storm committed 12 turnovers, including eight after halftime, and went nearly nine minutes without a field goal during a key drought.
  • Kentucky scored 53 second-half points, used a 14-0 run shortly after Jaland Lowe returned from a shoulder scare, and won the boards 36-24.
  • Forward Zuby Ejiofor urged teammates to examine their commitment and physicality, and St. John’s next faces Harvard on Tuesday.