St. John’s basketball upsets No. 3 UConn 81-72, snaps 18-game winning streak

St. John’s basketball just delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season. The No. 22 Red Storm shocked No. 3 UConn with an 81-72 victory at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. The victory snapped UConn’s 18-game winning streak and vaulted St. John’s into first place in the Big East.

Ejiofor Dominates as St. John’s Controls the Paint

Zuby Ejiofor was the difference maker Friday night. The St. John’s star recorded a triple-double near, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. His physical presence in the paint overwhelmed UConn’s defense throughout the contest. Ejiofor’s performance earned him a spot on the Big East Weekly Honor Roll and cemented his place among elite college basketball players this season.

The Red Storm dominated the interior, outscoring UConn 42-34 in the paint. This 8-point advantage provided the cushion St. John’s needed down the stretch. Rick Pitino’s team attacked the basket relentlessly, drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line consistently. St. John’s attempted 31 free throws compared to just 12 for UConn, a stark difference that revealed the physicality and control of the game.

Free Throw Shooting Seals UConn’s Fate

UConn’s struggles from the free throw line proved deadly. The Huskies made just 5 of 12 free throws, shooting 41.7 percent in a critical contest. This missed opportunity cost the defending champions dearly. Meanwhile, St. John’s converted 22 of 31 free throws, demonstrating composure and execution when it mattered most.

Beyond the free throw line, UConn committed 15 turnovers, directly leading to 20 points for St. John’s. These self-inflicted wounds, combined with bench depth concerns, created an insurmountable gap. Dan Hurley’s squad fought hard through the final minutes but couldn’t overcome the shooting efficiency deficit and turnover woes.

Big East Title Picture Wide Open After Historic Upset

Factor	St. John’s	UConn
Paint Points	42	34
Free Throw %	71% (22-31)	41.7% (5-12)
Turnovers	10	15
Record	18-5 Overall	22-2 Overall

St. John’s moved into first place in the Big East Conference with the victory. The Red Storm extended their winning streak to nine games, the longest such run since 1984-85. UConn’s loss marked the end of a dominant stretch that had the Huskies positioned as national championship contenders.

The upset at the Garden was played in front of a sold-out crowd that witnessed a historic performance. Rick Pitino’s Red Storm proved they belong among college basketball’s elite, capable of beating anyone on any night. The Big East race just reopened dramatically, with St. John’s now holding the most coveted position.

“It was an entertaining contest that showed St. John’s can go a full 40 minutes and grind out a win against a top-tier team.”

— Analysis from coaching perspective, USA Today coverage

Rick Pitino Reaches Historic Coaching Milestone

Head coach Rick Pitino achieved a legendary milestone with the victory. The St. John’s coach earned his 903rd career win, tying Roy Williams for third place all-time in NCAA Division I history. Only Mike Krzyzewski (1,202 wins) and Jim Boeheim (1,116 wins) rank ahead of Pitino on the all-time list.

This achievement underscores Pitino’s legendary status in college basketball. The decorated coach has won national championships, rebuilt programs, and consistently maintained excellence across decades. The No. 22 Red Storm victory showcases his ability to transform rosters and compete against powerhouse opponents. His impact at St. John’s continues to reshape the program’s trajectory in the Big East.

What this upset means for the college basketball landscape

St. John’s announced itself as a legitimate national tournament contender Friday night. Beating No. 3 UConn at home, on the road to a projected tournament seed, changes perception overnight. The Red Storm now owns signature wins that impress tournament selection committees. Every game moving forward carries increased stakes and scrutiny for both teams.

UConn faces questions about depth and resilience after the loss. The 18-game winning streak had elevated national expectations, but Friday’s performance revealed vulnerabilities. Dan Hurley must address free throw shooting, turnover control, and bench production. Despite the loss, UConn’s overall resume remains strong, but the aura of invincibility has been broken.

Sources

• ESPN – St. John’s 81-72 UConn final score and game recap
• NCAA.com – No. 22 St. John’s stuns No. 3 UConn, Rick Pitino reaches 903 career wins milestone
• USA Today – How St. John’s basketball snapped UConn’s 18-game win streak with dominant paint play