In the stands of Madison Square Garden on Thursday afternoon, a grown man shed tears of joy. As the clock counted down, the sea of red erupted in celebration at the Big East Tournament, marking another milestone in Rick Pitino’s impressive record, now standing at 15-7 all-time in the event.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t the Louisville fans filling the arena; it was the St. John’s faithful. This victory was their long-awaited moment.
RJ Luis contributed 18 points, while Joel Soriano’s 14 points and 12 rebounds propelled St. John’s to a resounding 91-72 victory over Seton Hall in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.
This victory held special significance for St. John’s, as it marked their first appearance in the Big East Tournament semifinals since 2000, when they last clinched the title. The nostalgia was palpable, recalling a time when NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” ruled the charts and “Erin Brockovich” dominated the box office.
For a university often subject to jests due to its struggles over the past two decades, this triumph was monumental.
Tarik Turner, a St. John’s alum, reflected on the magnitude of the win: “This is the biggest win in St. John’s Basketball history in 24 years – bar none.”
Under Pitino’s guidance, St. John’s has undergone a remarkable transformation this season. Despite initial setbacks and criticisms, including a lack of athleticism, the team rallied, securing six consecutive victories. Now, they were poised to face top-seeded UConn in the Big East Tournament semifinal.
The joyous atmosphere in Madison Square Garden mirrored the glory days of St. John’s basketball, reminiscent of Lou Carnesecca’s era.
Pitino, acknowledging the weight of the moment, expressed gratitude for being part of the legacy Carnesecca established: “I’m just proud to be the torch-bearer of the program that Louie built.”
In their triumph over Seton Hall, St. John’s showcased their depth, with six players scoring in double figures and a significant contribution from the bench. Luis, despite battling shin issues, delivered a standout performance.
Captain Soriano, driven by a desire to win, epitomized the team’s determination. His leadership was instrumental in the victory.
The journey to this moment hadn’t been easy. Just weeks earlier, St. John’s had suffered a devastating loss to Seton Hall, casting doubt on their postseason prospects. However, Pitino remained steadfast in his belief in the team’s potential.
Looking ahead, St. John’s faced a formidable challenge against UConn, a team they had previously fallen to. Despite the tough road ahead, the significance of their semifinal berth was not lost on them.
Pitino’s words from the previous March echoed in the minds of St. John’s faithful: “We’re ready to raise this roof up because St. John’s is going to be back. I guarantee that.”
