NEW YORK — It has been a very long time since St. John’s loved this a lot success, and energized followers are beginning to really feel it.
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“We want UConn! We want UConn!” a number of chanted throughout the waning seconds on Tuesday night time because the Twelfth-ranked Pink Storm polished off a 70-64 victory over No. 11 Marquette of their Huge East showdown at Madison Sq. Backyard.
It was a rousing begin to a measuring-stick week for Corridor of Fame coach Rick Pitino’s streaking staff, which maintained sole possession of first place within the convention and improved to 1-1 in opposition to ranked opponents this season.
Up subsequent is a go to Friday night time to No. 19 UConn, the two-time defending nationwide champion.
“It’s a nice feeling. It’s good to enjoy it. But we know we’re not done,” guard Kadary Richmond mentioned.
Richmond, a Seton Corridor switch, had 18 factors, 11 rebounds and eight assists in his newest excellent all-around efficiency.
Main scorer RJ Luis Jr. added 17 factors and 11 boards because the Pink Storm gained for the fifteenth time in 16 video games. St. John’s has gained 9 straight regular-season Huge East video games for the primary time since 1984-85, when this system reached the Closing 4 below Corridor of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca.
“We put in a lot of hard work in the preseason. You guys can see it now,” Luis mentioned. “I believe we’re having a fantastic season. We now have rather a lot to perform but. And the fellows are hungry and we’re going to go after it.”
Zuby Ejiofor had 13 points and 13 rebounds to help St. John’s improve to 15-0 at home before a roaring crowd of 16,521 that included New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, former Mets closer John Franco and ex-Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.
With its highest ranking in 25 years, St. John’s is off to the school’s best start since 1985-86. The last time the program was 11-1 or better in Big East play, the Johnnies opened 14-0 in 1985 during the glory days led by Carnesecca and star player Chris Mullin.
“Seeing St. John’s come back is so much fun,” said the 72-year-old Pitino, who is in his second season at St. John’s. “I’m having a blast coaching these guys. I’m having a blast seeing The Garden explode like this. I’m so happy for the fans and so appreciative of everybody coming out and being supportive of us.”
Marquette dropped its second straight and fell to 3-3 since a six-game winning streak. The Golden Eagles won the previous six meetings between the teams.
“That was a heck of a game by St. John’s,” coach Shaka Good mentioned. “Hats off and far respect to teach Pitino, their entire program and all their guys. I believed they performed with unimaginable violence. They have been simply the extra aggressive staff for almost all of the sport.”
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