Oziyah Sellers Sparks St. John’s in Thrilling 76-70 Win Over Marquette

Milwaukee witnessed an electrifying performance from Oziyah Sellers as he helped No. 17 St. John’s secure a hard-fought 76-70 victory against Marquette. Coming off the bench for the first time this season, the senior sharpshooter made an immediate impact, scoring 12 points, including two pivotal three-pointers.

Sellers Finds His Groove

Entering the game with a struggling 7-for-29 streak from three-point range, Sellers emphasized the importance of resilience among shooters. “It felt good to obviously hit 3s. Shooters are going to shoot through misses,” he stated confidently. His determination paid off as he played a critical role in extending the team’s winning streak to 12 games.

Coach’s Confidence

Head Coach Rick Pitino was supportive, encouraging Sellers to keep shooting. “I’m going to yell it at him, shooters are going to shoot,” he laughed, highlighting his faith in Sellers’ abilities. The decision to start Joson Sanon instead also sought to boost the sophomore’s confidence, with Sanon contributing nine points during the matchup.

Injury Didn’t Hold Him Back

Despite missing a practice due to a sore ankle, Sellers demonstrated his resilience on the court, contributing positively to the team’s dynamic. “My ankle is feeling a little better,” he shared after the game, where he logged 23 minutes and posted a team-high plus-12.

Zuby Ejiofor’s Late Game Heroics

Though Zuby Ejiofor struggled initially, missing seven of his ten attempts and failing to grab a rebound by halftime, he turned the tide in the second half. His persistent efforts resulted in nine points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Coach Pitino praised him, noting, “That’s a veteran right there.”

Key Statistics from the Game

• Turnovers: This marked St. John’s first game since January 3 against Providence in which they committed more turnovers than their opponent, finishing with 12 compared to Marquette’s 10.
• Road Performance: The Johnnies have now won 11 straight Big East road games, extending a program record, showcasing their dominance in this year’s conference.

Looking Ahead

As St. John’s continues on this successful path, all eyes will be on how Sellers and Ejiofor adapt and perform in upcoming games. The Red Storm looks poised to maintain their formidable presence in the Big East standings as they aim for further victories.

For more insights and the latest updates on St. John’s basketball, check out the Big East standings and St. John’s stats.

This victory underscores the team’s depth and resilience, making them a formidable contender as the season progresses.