No. 20 St. John’s Aims to Sustain Momentum After Key Wins

NEW YORK — The No. 20 St. John's Red Storm basketball team is riding high after a crucial victory on Saturday night, but the challenge now is maintaining that momentum. With their recent success, the Johnnies must navigate the pressure of being ranked while avoiding complacency.

St. John’s last appeared in the national rankings in November, but their stay was brief. After a 1-2 performance in the Bahamas, they dropped out of the polls after just two weeks. Head coach Rick Pitino has emphasized the importance of staying focused, particularly with their upcoming game against Xavier.

“We can’t afford to feel too good about ourselves,” Pitino said. “Every game is a battle, and we need to approach it with the same intensity as we did against Seton Hall.”

In their recent matchup against Seton Hall, St. John’s showcased their defensive prowess. Guards Simeon Wilcher and Aaron Scott combined to stifle Seton Hall’s Isaiah Coleman, while Kadary Richmond’s aggressive play against Georgetown‘s Thomas Sorber highlighted the team’s versatility.

The Red Storm’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be tested as they face Xavier, a team known for its strong offensive play. Pitino has been vocal about the need for his players to remain disciplined and focused. “We’ve shown we can compete with the best, but consistency is key,” he added.

St. John’s fans are hopeful that this time, the team can sustain its ranking and make a deeper impact in the season. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the Red Storm are poised to make a statement in the coming weeks.