Imagine a team so dominant that they turn a highly anticipated matchup into a one-sided showcase of sheer athleticism and strategy. That’s exactly what St. John’s did in their latest victory, dismantling Creighton in a jaw-dropping 81-52 win—their 13th straight—as they gear up for another showdown with UConn. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the same St. John’s team that’s been flying under the radar, or have they finally unlocked their true potential? Let’s dive in.
Earlier in the week, legendary coach Rick Pitino threw down the gauntlet, challenging his players to reach beyond their current limits. He boldly declared they were operating at just 60 to 70 percent of their capability, particularly on defense. “We can get a lot better defensively,” he told The Post, a statement that clearly resonated with his team. And boy, did they deliver. On Saturday, St. John’s put on a defensive clinic, smothering Creighton—a team fresh off an upset win over No. 5 Connecticut—and leaving them scrambling for answers.
Creighton’s momentum from their 91-point explosion against UConn? Gone. St. John’s held them to a season-low 52 points, forced 18 turnovers (tying a season-high), and limited them to a paltry 32.1% shooting. And this is the part most people miss: During a staggering 25-4 run in the second half, Creighton went without a made field goal for 8 minutes and 45 seconds. That’s not just defense—that’s dominance.
“This was the best defense we played all season,” Pitino said afterward, his pride palpable. “The guys were totally locked in because of their respect for Creighton’s ability to score. It was just awesome defense the entire day.” But here’s the kicker: He didn’t stop there. “That’s what we’re after—that type of defense,” he added, setting the bar even higher for his team.
This wasn’t just another win; it was a statement. St. John’s (22-5, 15-1) looked like a team ready to make noise in March, showcasing suffocating defense, efficient offense, and an unrelenting drive. Creighton (14-14, 8-9), meanwhile, seemed out of answers early in the second half, with star forward Zuby Ejiofor watching the final 11:42 from the bench as the game turned into a blowout.
The Johnnies’ frontcourt trio of Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, and Dillon Mitchell was unstoppable, combining for 36 points, 23 rebounds, and 11 assists. Dylan Darling bounced back from a subpar performance at Marquette with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Oziyah Sellers chipped in 10. St. John’s dominated the glass (plus-14) and the paint (plus-20), though their 3-point shooting (3-for-14) left room for improvement. “We played a great game today, one of the best of the season,” Pitino said. “What we did today was brilliant in all facets of the game. They were totally locked in.”
Now, the stage is set for a thrilling week. St. John’s faces the two teams hot on their heels in the Big East: Connecticut on Wednesday and Villanova on Saturday. Win both, and they’re all but guaranteed a second straight outright conference title—and a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament. But here’s the question: Can they sustain this level of play? “We know our defense can win us championships,” said Mitchell, who posted six points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and zero turnovers. “But it won’t mean anything if we don’t bring that same mindset next week.”
Controversial take: St. John’s has the talent and coaching to go all the way, but their 3-point shooting could be their Achilles’ heel. Do you think they can overcome this weakness, or will it come back to haunt them in March? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
