St. John’s Faces Alabama in Season’s First Major Test

NEW YORK, NY — St. John's men’s basketball team is preparing for a crucial matchup against the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. This game marks St. John’s first significant test of the season after their opening victory over Quinnipiac.

The Red Storm started the season strong, defeating unranked Quinnipiac 108-74. However, they will face a much tougher challenge against Alabama, who also began their season with a win, beating North Dakota 91-62. St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino believes the game will be a test of strength and skill against a ranked opponent.

“This is an important game for us. We need to see how we measure up against top teams,” Pitino said. “Alabama is a great challenge.”

Star player Zuby Ejiofor, who shined in the previous game, will look to maintain his momentum against the Crimson Tide. Ejiofor scored 17 points and showcased his athleticism during the win over Quinnipiac.

Alabama also enters the game with high expectations after having the nation’s top-scoring offense last season. The Crimson Tide are adjusting their strategy after failing to cover the spread in their opener.

The game is set to tip off at noon ET, with St. John’s currently favored by 6.5 points. The over/under point total is set at 171.5. Fans can follow live updates as the game unfolds.