Even though Ole Miss started on a strong note it was the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team (5-3) finding a rhythm defensively and making the big plays to get the 63-58 victory.
Ole Miss making things very close and competitive were just baffled by the Red Storm defense, and that defense was a big component in the team’s being the BIG EAST Conference Champions.
The guys had some big time lessons learned from Vegas, as during the Players Era Championship they were able to pick up a victory against Baylor.
One of the most important things about that tournament for the guys was playing against NCAA Tournament quality teams and learning the lessons from those moments.
Getting back to the World’s Most Famous Arena and wanting to get back on track though was of the highest of priorities, but it wouldn’t happen so easily against Ole Miss.
The biggest trend to start the night was the fact that the Red Storm weren’t able to rebound the basketball.
After a steal and slam by Dillon Mitchell at the 10:58ish mark, the guys and the defense started to stand tall and that got them into a rebounding rhythm as well.
Oziyah Sellers was a big part of the Red Storm gaining the lead in the first half as he was able to make several clutch shots.
Right after the half it was once again rebounding along with the team’s defense that closed out the game even though Ole Miss made it close.
Fans of Ole Miss are encouraged to view these thoughts from Head Coach Chris Beard and Forward Malik Dia:
St. John’s fans are encouraged to view the following video as Head Coach Rick Pitino along with student-athletes Dylan Darling and Zuby Ejiofor share these thoughts after the game:
Ejiofor was the player of the game because of the fact that anytime there was a big-time moment for the guys, he was one of many to help bring those moments. Along with a stat line of 15 points, a career-high eight blocks and nine rebounds.
Overall, this was the type of game that Coach Pitino had wondered if he would see because it was the team’s defense that got the scoring to ignite, not only that but it was the guys first game in the sixty-point range versus the ninety point range.
Coach Pitino is going to be seeing a familiar name on December 13, when his current Red Storm team faces an Iona team that was the program that gave him a chance to Coach in New York.
Even though the team is new Iona for sure has a special place in the heart of Pitino, as when he was there he was a part of two MAAC regular season titles, two MAAC tournament championships and earning two NCAA Tournament berths in 2021, 2023. While at Iona, Pitino was named MAAC Coach of the Year Awards twice.
That game between the Red Storm and the Gales is scheduled for 12 p.m.
For more information on the St. John’s Athletics Department fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
St. John’s University Athletics – Official Athletics Website