With the ultimate goal of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in mind, the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team had some of the best test possible during the non-conference schedule.
Facing teams such as Michigan, Alabama, Iowa State, Baylor and Kentucky the guys have plenty to be proud of in gaining those lessons as they now head to BIG EAST Conference plays.
In the final test of non-conference opponents at Carnesecca Arena and against Ivy League opponent Harvard the guys were in for the most fascinating test of them all.
Harvard looked like a team that was going to outshoot and find different ways to score, that was until the Red Storm defense found a rhythm to get them the eventual 85-59 victory.
There were moments in the first half with the big defensive plays that helped the guys win the First Half. One particular moment at the 5:37 mark when Zuby Ejiofor stole the ball and was able to get it to Bryce Hopkins was one of the examples of the type of ball this St. John’s team can play that can get them to the levels where they hope to be.
From there it was all about staying steady and playing the way that they did in the First Half, along with an overall combined team play that got them the final non-conference victory against Harvard.
With Coach Rick Pitino at the helm of the squad the guys have now won 19 contest at Carnesecca Arena by an average margin of victory of 24.6 points per game.
Showing up all on aspects of the scoresheet was Ejiofor as he had 14 points, nine rebounds and a game-high four assists and two steals.
Improving every day is Ian Jackson as he got into a good grove from the three-point arc, connecting on a season-high four of them, and finishing the game with 14 points as well. To round the scoring and marking the third player with 14 points was Bryce Hopkins, as he had an incredible stat of 50% shooting and a team-high four assists.
Fans of the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team can view the following video as Coach Pitino along with Hopkins and Jackson share these thoughts after the team’s victory against Harvard:
St. John’s is going to have one final test of 2025 before ringing in the New Year, and it is one that is going to be a fascinating one as they get back to BIG EAST Conference play and face Georgetown on December 31.
They are gong to head to the Nations Capital and play in Capital One Arena, and leads the all-time series against the Hoyas by a record of 69-57.
During the 2025 season the Red Storm was able to win the last nine matchups, but in January 2025 Georgetown was able to regain the momentum and got the rivalry to tip a bit in the favor of the Hoyas.
The biggest thing for St. John’s is how can they win at Capital One Arena as thus far Georgetown has won the last 31 of 55 meetings between these two basketball programs.
Two notable victories for the Red Storm at Capital One Arena came on February 21, 2024 when the guys saw a 90-85 victory and then on January 28, 2025 there was a 66-41 victory.
To see what is going to happen in the most recent edition of the Red Storm and Hoya Rivalry fans can watch all the action from the game played on December 31 on the FS1 network with the time of the game scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
Notable Notes:
In attendance for the game versus Harvard was St. John’s Alum Kadary Richmond. Richmond after his playing time with the Red Storm was signed by the Washington Wizards as a part of the Exhibit 10 contracts.
Thus far Kadary is playing well with Capital City as he is averaging 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assist per game and got a warm welcome by fans at Carnesecca Arena.
For more information on the St. John’s Athletics Department fans are encouraged to click on the link below:
St. John’s University Athletics – Official Athletics Website