St. John’s Starts Big East Title Defense Against DePaul: Preview and Insights

St. John’s University kicks off its defense of the Big East championship on Tuesday night in Queens. The Red Storm will face off against the DePaul Blue Demons, a team currently struggling in the conference. This initial matchup is one of four games scheduled over a hectic 10-day period, including a key clash against Kentucky this Saturday in Atlanta, followed by a game against Harvard just three days later.

St. John’s Track Record and Current Position

Currently ranked 22nd in the nation, St. John’s holds a record of 6-3 this season. This time last year, the Red Storm found themselves in a similar predicament, disappointed after a 1-2 performance in the Bahamas but managed to secure several impressive non-conference wins. They began league play with a formidable 11-1 run, culminating in their first outright regular-season title since 1984-85.

• Key Insights:
  • Rank: 22nd in the AP Top 25
  • Recent Performance: Improved defensive stats
  • Past Achievements: 11 of 12 conference wins last season, including a season sweep against rival Connecticut.

St. John’s will not meet Connecticut until later in the season, with matchups scheduled for February 6 at the Garden and February 25 in Hartford.

Coach Pitino’s Perspective

Head coach Rick Pitino acknowledges the challenge ahead, particularly in comparison to the fifth-ranked UConn team. "We’re not as good as UConn right now, but you wouldn’t expect that because UConn has three really pivotal players back," said Pitino. He believes by the end of the season, the Red Storm will be competitors at that level.

Coach Pitino’s Focus Areas:

• Defense Improvement: Pitino is optimistic about the team’s defensive capabilities, citing recent successes in limiting opponents’ scoring.
• Turnover Management: Reducing turnovers is essential for maintaining competitive play.

What to Expect from DePaul

DePaul enters the game with an 8-3 record, experiencing a rollercoaster season. They have lost a recent game to Buffalo but won against Wichita State. The Blue Demons are on a seven-game losing streak against St. John’s, with the past four games reflecting an average victory margin of 26.8 points for the Red Storm.

DePaul’s Recent Performance:

• Inconsistencies: A mixed bag of results including losses to strong teams like LSU.
• Historical Context: St. John’s has dominated this matchup in recent years.

Player Spotlight: Key Performers

• Zuby Ejiofor: Tri-captain Ejiofor has been pivotal in St. John’s defensive efforts, averaging 9.5 rebounds, eight blocks, and 1.5 steals in recent games.
• Ian Jackson: In his first start at point guard, Jackson excelled with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, demonstrating his potential impact on the team’s success.

Upcoming Challenges

This week will serve as a critical test for St. John’s, with the conference opener against DePaul followed closely by the challenging matchup against Kentucky. The Wildcats are also looking to regain their rhythm after a recent win against Indiana.

Key Factors for St. John’s Success:

• Improved Perimeter Defense: Adjustments in defensive strategies are yielding positive outcomes.
• Maintaining Momentum: Keeping turnovers at a minimum will be vital as the competition intensifies.

Conclusion

As St. John’s prepares for this defining stretch of their season, the team’s focus will be on leveraging their current momentum while addressing areas of improvement. Fans eagerly await to see how the Red Storm will manifest their defensive prowess and team chemistry in the upcoming matchups.

For the latest Big East standings and detailed stats on St. John’s players, visit Big East Conference.

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