JAMAICA, NY - Carnesecca Arena buzzed with energy as fans packed the stands, eager for St. John’s to start the New Year strong after a tough loss to Creighton. What they witnessed instead was a gritty, mistake-filled showdown that kept them on edge until the final buzzer.
St. John’s jumped out with ferocious defense, stifling Butler, and holding them to just four points in the first 11 minutes. Zuby Ejiofor led the effort with sharp footwork and relentless work in the paint. However, the Red Storm squandered their defensive dominance with poor shooting. Time after time, their shots missed the mark, and frustration mounted.
Butler refused to fold. Patrick McCaffery sparked their offense with three clutch three-pointers, each one halting a potential St. John’s run. Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks kept the Red Storm on their toes, creating open looks and sinking key baskets. Telfort’s aggressive drives and Brooks’ physical play gave Butler hope as they battled for control of the game.
Rick Pitino’s squad struggled mightily from beyond the arc, connecting on just one of 21 three-point attempts. RJ Luis Jr. showcased his midrange prowess with 20 points, but his long-range shooting abandoned him. Each miss frustrated him more, as he shook his head in disbelief throughout the game.
“When you go 1-for-21 from 3-point range against a terrific shooting team and still come away with a win, you have to be pleased,” Pitino said. “We gutted this one out.”
The second half opened with a confident Butler team trying to build their lead. Telfort and McCaffery found their rhythm, forcing St. John’s to dig deep to stay close. Butler capitalized on St. John’s mistakes, turning turnovers into quick points and building momentum. The game hung in the balance as both teams fought for control.
Ejiofor reignited the Red Storm with his hustle and dominance around the basket. His energy inspired teammates, but it was Kadary Richmond who truly turned the tide. In the final five minutes, Richmond took command. He attacked the rim, drew fouls, and made big steals with precision. Richmond’s leadership carried St. John’s to the finish line, and his 13 points, six assists, and defensive intensity proved decisive.
Deivon Smith captured the team’s mindset: “It’s about getting the most points at the end of the game. We still need to put together two great halves, but we can play with anybody.
Coach Pitino, while relieved, didn’t hold back about the challenges. “I gave up drinking for the New Year, but I think I’m going to have the shortest resolution in history after this game. I’m struggling with the lack of listening these players exhibit,” he said, shaking his head.
The victory, however, ended on a sour note. In the game’s final seconds, Simeon Wilcher attempted a needless dunk instead of dribbling out the clock. The dunk clanged off the rim, drawing criticism from Pitino, who later apologized to Butler’s organization. “I can’t explain why he did that,” Pitino said. “It was embarrassing, and I take responsibility.”
As the fans filtered out of Carnesecca Arena, the sense of relief mixed with anticipation. St. John’s revealed flashes of brilliance despite their inconsistency. Pitino’s concerns about his players’ focus and decision-making loomed large, but the team’s grit and determination hinted at untapped potential. Could this group sharpen its focus and emerge as a Big East contender? The journey to March promises to be anything but boring.
