St. John’s Stuns UConn with Dominant Performance and Defensive Prowess

The Red Storm's surprising perimeter shooting and relentless defense highlight their potential as a Big East powerhouse ahead of March Madness.

St. John’s delivered a commanding 89-75 victory over UConn, marking their second win against the defending champions this month and solidifying their position in the Big East race.
Despite being one of the worst three-point shooting teams nationally, St. John’s capitalized on UConn’s defensive strategy, hitting key perimeter shots and exposing vulnerabilities in the Huskies’ game plan.
The Red Storm’s defensive intensity, including 11 blocks and 11 steals, stifled UConn’s offense, which struggled with 22 turnovers and inefficient shooting from the field and beyond the arc.
Rick Pitino’s team showcased its depth with five players scoring in double figures, while Deivon Smith’s playmaking and Zuby Ejiofor’s dominance in the paint further emphasized their balanced attack.
Dan Hurley acknowledged St. John’s as a legitimate threat, warning other NCAA contenders about their ability to combine elite defense with timely shooting.