By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Noah K. Murray
St John’s Red Storm haven’t done anything since 2000, and that’s to win the Big East title. On Saturday night, the No. 1 Red Storm defeated No. 2 Creighton Blue Jays 82-66 in Madison Square Garden.
The Johnnies outscored the Blue Jays 57-38 in the second half. St John’s made 14 straight field goals during their run in the second half.
RJ Luis Jr led the Johnnies with 29 points, breaking Chris Mullin’s 1985 Big East Tournament Championship game.
“As a little kid, you dream about these special moments,” Luis Jr told the media. “During March Madness, I would see the guys go up to the ladders and cut the nets, and then doing it myself was incredible. It’s a great feeling. I’m just truly blessed. Good has been good to me.”
Zuby Ejiofor added 20 points. Kadary Richmond recorded a double dibble with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Coach Rick Pitino is the first head coach to win a Conference tournament with five different schools: Boston University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, Iona College, and St. John’s.
He’s also the first coach to win the Big East title with two different schools (Louisville and St John’s).
“I don’t send messages to anyone,” Pitino told reporters. Humility is a big part of my life right now. I don’t believe in redemption. I believe in humility.”
Pitino responded to a reporter who asked him what message he was trying to send after a successful season with the team.
The Red Storm has the nation’s top-rated defense. They will enter the tournament on a nine-game winning streak. The Red Storm finished the season with a 30-4 record and an 18-2 record in the Big East conference.
Pitino has improved the team’s success by 10 games since St John’s went 20-13 last season. The team is on track to be rated as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Selection Sunday is today at 8 p.m. EST.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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