Sat Feb 08 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## St. John’s Upends Marquette in Dominant Madison Square Garden Victory

**NEW YORK, NY** – No. 12 St. John’s stormed past No. 11 Marquette 70-64 Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, securing a statement win and extending their winning streak to nine games. The Red Storm’s suffocating defense and aggressive offensive rebounding proved too much for the Golden Eagles, marking a significant turning point for a program striving for Big East dominance.

St. John’s, led by Coach Rick Pitino, stifled Marquette’s offense, holding them to a season-low 0.95 points per possession. Despite shooting struggles from beyond the arc (3-for-16) and the free-throw line (17-for-31), the Red Storm’s relentless defense, described by Pitino as “relentless,” proved the difference. A key defensive sequence in the final two minutes, culminating in a Kadary Richmond block, perfectly illustrated their commitment.

While Marquette managed five early three-pointers, St. John’s countered with a dominant performance on the offensive glass, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds to Marquette’s zero in the first half alone, leading to crucial second-chance points. Marquette coach Shaka Smart attributed the loss to St. John’s superior aggression.

The resurgence of Richmond, a key transfer, has added another dimension to St. John’s offensive arsenal. He delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing the growth that has impressed Coach Pitino.

The victory solidifies St. John’s position atop the Big East standings at 11-1, a stark contrast to their struggles a year ago. The team’s transformation, characterized by improved toughness and athleticism, is evident in their top-five national ranking in adjusted defensive efficiency. Forward RJ Luis Jr. summarized the team’s current mindset as “very hungry” and “very determined.”

Looking ahead, St. John’s faces a challenging matchup against UConn on Friday, but Coach Pitino remained focused on the present, declining to comment on the “We want UConn!” chants heard after the game.

Read More