Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

Top-10 St. John’s Hosts Alabama at Madison Square Garden on Saturday

Rick Pitino casts Alabama’s rapid-fire style as a unique early gauge for his transfer-fueled, title-hopeful roster.

St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino addresses the crowd prior to a game against the Quinnipiac Bobcats at Carnesecca Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
St. John's Red Storm guard Kelvin Odih (5) attempts to dunk on Quinnipiac Bobcats forward Spence Wewe (12) in the second half at Carnesecca Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • St. John’s enters the matchup 1-0 after a 108-74 opener over Quinnipiac and sits No. 5 in the AP Poll and No. 6 in the Coaches Poll.
  • Alabama also opened 1-0 with a 91-62 win over North Dakota and visits MSG for an FS1 broadcast at noon ET (11 a.m. CT).
  • Pitino posted on X urging fans to “rock the Garden” for a visit from a top-15 Crimson Tide, highlighting his team’s pace and scoring.
  • Transfers Dillon Mitchell (18 points), Ian Jackson (15), Bryce Hopkins, and Joson Sanon (14) made immediate impacts alongside returner Zuby Ejiofor (17).
  • Calling Alabama “the most unique team to play” for its quick-shot possessions, Pitino noted a shared history that includes Nate Oats’ 2021 NCAA win over his Iona team.