{"id":41770,"date":"2026-02-09T21:25:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T01:25:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/red94.net\/news\/st-johns-basketball-upsets-no-3-uconn-81-72-snaps-18-game-winning-streak\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T21:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T01:26:00","slug":"85604-st-john-s-basketball-upsets-no-3-uconn-81-72-snaps-18-game-winning-streak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/red94.net\/news\/85604-st-john-s-basketball-upsets-no-3-uconn-81-72-snaps-18-game-winning-streak\/","title":{"rendered":"St. John’s basketball upsets No. 3 UConn 81-72, snaps 18-game winning streak"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Final Score<\/b>: St. John’s 81, UConn 72 at Madison Square Garden<\/li>\n
  • Game Impact<\/b>: Snapped No. 3 UConn’s 18-game winning streak in Big East play<\/li>\n
  • Star Performance<\/b>: Zuby Ejiofor led with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists<\/li>\n
  • Pitino Milestone<\/b>: Rick Pitino earned 903rd career win, tying Roy Williams for 3rd all-time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Ejiofor Dominates as St. John’s Controls the Paint<\/h2>\n

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

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

    Free Throw Shooting Seals UConn’s Fate<\/h2>\n

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

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

    Big East Title Picture Wide Open After Historic Upset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Factor<\/td>\nSt. John’s<\/td>\nUConn<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Paint Points<\/td>\n42<\/b><\/td>\n34<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Free Throw %<\/td>\n71%<\/b> (22-31)<\/td>\n41.7%<\/b> (5-12)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Turnovers<\/td>\n10<\/b><\/td>\n15<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Record<\/td>\n18-5 Overall<\/b><\/td>\n22-2 Overall<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

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

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

    \n“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.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 Analysis from coaching perspective, USA Today coverage<\/p>\n

    Rick Pitino Reaches Historic Coaching Milestone<\/h2>\n

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

    This achievement underscores Pitino’s<\/b> 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<\/b> victory showcases his ability to transform rosters and compete against powerhouse opponents. His impact at St. John’s<\/b> continues to reshape the program’s trajectory in the Big East<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    What this upset means for the college basketball landscape<\/h2>\n

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

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