St. John’s Faces Tough Challenge in Overtime Loss to Michigan

In a thrilling exhibition matchup, St. John’s fell to Michigan 96-94 in overtime, showcasing both promise and areas for improvement. Here’s a closer look at the game and what it means for the Red Storm’s season ahead.

Key Highlights from the Game

• Offensive Performance: Zuby Ejiofor led St. John’s with 24 points, complemented by contributions from Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell, each scoring 13 points. Point guard Dylan Darling rebounded from a previous struggle, adding seven points and two assists.
• Michigan’s Dominance: The Wolverines showcased their strength, particularly on the boards, outrebounding St. John’s by 12. Their shooting accuracy stood at an impressive 52.2%, compared to St. John’s 39.7%.

Coach Rick Pitino’s Insights

After the nail-biting encounter, Coach Rick Pitino expressed optimism despite the loss, highlighting the team’s ability to fight back from multiple deficits. He acknowledged the challenge posed by integrating eight new players into the squad, stating, “I saw a lot of really good things… but we need to get used to playing together.”

Areas of Concern

• Rebounding and Defense: St. John’s struggled to control the glass, an ongoing issue that Pitino emphasized needs immediate attention. The guards, in particular, were called out for their need to improve in both rebounding and defensive efforts.

• Foul Trouble: The game was further complicated when starting guards Oziyah Sellers and Joson Sanon, who scored 14 points, both fouled out early, limiting their impact in crucial moments.

Turning Points in the Game

The Red Storm faced an uphill battle, trailing by eight points in the overtime period. However, Lefteris Liotopoulos provided a spark, scoring eight consecutive points to bring St. John’s back into contention. Unfortunately, he missed crucial free throws in the final seconds that could have shifted the game.

Defensive Adjustments Needed

While St. John’s defense forced Michigan into 22 turnovers, they allowed 54 points in the paint, a worrying trend against a team with dominant post presences like 7-footers Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara. Ejiofor, acknowledging the need for improvement, said, “We’re trying to get back to that defensive mindset we had last year. It’s going to take time, but we’re going to figure it out.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, Pitino remains confident in his squad’s potential. He designed a challenging non-conference schedule aimed at exposing weaknesses and preparing the team for tougher challenges ahead, including matchups against teams like Quinnipiac, Alabama, and Kentucky.

Final Thoughts

The exhibition against Michigan served as a valuable lesson for St. John’s. The game not only tested their skills against a top-tier opponent but also revealed critical areas for growth. As the season progresses, the Red Storm will need to harness these experiences to build a winning culture.

For more insights on college basketball, check out NCAA official site.

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This game sets the stage for an exciting season for St. John’s, with plenty of opportunities for growth on the horizon.