St. John’s stifling defense big reason for team’s strong start
There has been a lot of talk about St. John's struggling to break down 3-point and perimeter shots, especially since conference play began. But what hasn't been noticed is how exactly the Johnnys continue to win despite that problem persisting: their defense. More than halfway through the regular season, coach Rick Pitino's team is playing […]
Inside look at where St. John’s stands at season’s halfway point
CINCINNATI — Tuesday night's 82-72 win over Xavier marked the halfway point of St. John's season. This year has been an interesting year, to say the least. St. John's is 13-3 overall and 4-1 in Big East play and in position to advance to the NCAA Tournament main draw for the first time in 10 […]
Simeon Wilcher rewards Rick Pitino’s St. John’s suspension restraint
CINCINNATI — Manager Rick Pitino considered suspending Simeon Wilcher, who was seen attempting a dunk by Butler in the final seconds of Saturday's win. Ultimately, after asking his team how they felt, Pitino decided against it. Wilcher gave Pitino his best performance of the season. Simeon Wilcher, who scored 15 points, dribbles against Daavion McKnight […]
St. John’s storms past Xavier despite more 3-point land woes
CINCINNATI — Rick Pitino compared St. John's to a football team that runs the ball, plays great defense and sometimes throws big passes. There was no need for long balls Tuesday night at Cintas Center. That stifling defense and relentless rebounding was enough for an impressive 82-72 road victory over Xavier. St. John's 3-point shooting […]
St. John’s Aaron Scott finding ways to contribute despite struggles
No, Aaron Scott shook his head. Nothing has changed for him. His confidence has not waned yet. He still believes in his ability to knock down shots, even though very few people are into him these days. “My confidence right now is really high. I know I can make shots, and I've done that before […]
Rick Pitino slams St. John’s Simeon Wilcher for late dunk attempt
Simeon Wilcher may be crawling into Rick Pitino's doghouse. St. John's coaches were furious with the sophomore guard for attempting a windmill dunk in the final seconds with the result decided. In a scenario like this, St. John's players typically dribble over the clock. Pitino began his postgame press conference by apologizing to Butler after […]
Kadary Richmond awakens to rally St. John’s to win over Butler
Was this the beginning of Cadderly Richmond? It was a game St. John's couldn't afford to lose, and he took over until the end. He also made big plays defensively. He finished the drive at the rim. He was there for the Red Storm on a day when they once again fell behind from the […]
Rick Pitino wants St. John’s to let it fly amid 3-point struggles
On Friday, manager Rick Pitino urged his players to “let it fly.” Stop worrying about mistakes. Ignore the percentages. If you get a 3-point shot, release it. This came after St. John's attempted a season-low nine 3-pointers and made two of them in a disappointing one-point loss to Creighton on New Year's Eve. “Honestly, this […]
Rick Pitino has simple explanation for St. John’s continued 3-point struggles
OMAHA, Neb. — In three Big East games, St. John's has lost by 42 points from the 3-point line. It also came in a disappointing 57-56 loss to Creighton on Tuesday. St. John's made just 2-of-9 shots from deep and only two 3-pointers after halftime, while Creighton went 9-of-26. “First of all, they weren't open,” […]
St. John’s dealt familiar heartbreak by Creighton in loss
OMAHA, Neb. — St. John's escaped Providence despite not making a shot. That won't happen here. For the third straight game against the Big East, the Red Storm paid the price for the first time after being turned away from beyond 3-point range. Creighton got off to a fast start, excelled in transition, played well […]