PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The legend of Dylan Darling continues to grow.
Despite being primarily viewed as a reserve, he consistently shines when the team needs him the most.
This time, he didn’t wait for the game’s final moments to make his mark.
The 6-foot southpaw emerged as St. John’s standout player in a thrilling 79-69 victory over Providence at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The match was filled with drama, featuring several ejections and intense chants aimed at Friartown’s Bryce Hopkins.
Following a 19-minute delay due to a skirmish, Darling stepped up, scoring 16 of his final 23 points in the last stretch and led the No. 17 Johnnys to their 11th consecutive victory.
Despite being the smallest player on the court, he achieved eight rebounds, three steals, and didn’t turn the ball over in his 27 minutes of play.
“Some of us had to step up without one of our leaders. Dillon Mitchell was out. Someone had to take charge,” Darling noted. He seemed energized and was eager to contribute, saying, “I just wanted to bring some energy.”
Darling entered the game with 16:12 left in the second half and never left the court again.
He scored eight straight points during a 13-3 run, putting St. John’s ahead.
Providence struggled to contain him.
The Idaho State transfer has a history of delivering in clutch moments, having performed well in decisive wins over teams like Xavier, Seton Hall, and Connecticut.
He continued his strong performance on Saturday.
“We were missing four players and Dylan is still doing what he consistently does,” said teammate Zubie Ejiofor.
After Darling made a game-winning 3-pointer against Xavier on January 24, Coach Rick Pitino joked that his point guard “has a ball the size of a church bell.” Since that moment, Darling seems to have only gained confidence.
“Ever since he made that T-shirt, he’s reached a new level,” Pitino added.
St. John’s set a new program record with 10 consecutive conference wins, previously held since 1984-1985. The Johnnys have managed to win at least 20 games every season under Coach Pitino, a feat they achieved only once in the eight years prior to his arrival. This victory also secures them a first-round bye in next month’s Big East Tournament, with the top five teams starting in the quarterfinals.
