Story perspectives

St. John's Red Storm Kicks Off Big East Defense

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

St. John's University Red Storm begins its Big East championship defense against DePaul on Tuesday night in Queens.
The team is ranked 22nd, opened 6-3, has improved defensively to yield season-low points, and faces Kentucky and Harvard next.
Rick Pitino, the head coach of St. John's Red Storm, says this season's competition has risen and that the team is not yet at UConn's level.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1980, the Big East Championship revolutionized college basketball by fostering fierce competition among elite teams like Georgetown and Syracuse. The inaugural tournament showcased these schools' prowess, with Georgetown winning the first title. As St. John's, now ranked 22nd, prepares to defend its title against DePaul, the championship continues to highlight the strategic importance of coaching, particularly in the face of UConn's recent success.

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Story summary

St. John's University Red Storm begins its Big East championship defense against DePaul on Tuesday night in Queens.
The team is ranked 22nd, opened 6-3, has improved defensively to yield season-low points, and faces Kentucky and Harvard next.
Rick Pitino, the head coach of St. John's Red Storm, says this season's competition has risen and that the team is not yet at UConn's level.

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