St. John's Dominates Harvard in 85-59 Victory

On December 23, 2025, the St. John's Red Storm secured an 85-59 victory over the Harvard Crimson at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York. This win marked a significant rebound for St. John's after a disappointing loss to Kentucky just days prior, improving their record to 8-4. Harvard fell to 6-7, continuing a challenging season.

St. John’s Pummels Harvard 85-59

The game began with Harvard taking an early lead, showcasing strong shooting with a 14-for-21 start, including a 31-26 advantage midway through the first half. However, St. John's shifted momentum dramatically with a 20-2 run, closing the half with a 46-33 lead. Key players in this surge included Bryce Hopkins, Ian Jackson, and Zuby Ejiofor, each contributing 14 points. The Red Storm's defensive pressure intensified, forcing six turnovers in the closing minutes of the half.

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St. John's maintained their momentum into the second half, quickly extending their lead to 58-36. The Red Storm's defense stifled Harvard's offense, limiting them to just 26 points in the second half and forcing them to shoot only 32% from the field. St. John's dominated the rebounding battle, finishing with a 39-22 advantage, which was critical in maintaining their lead.

Harvard Crimson

Bryce Hopkins, who had faced scrutiny for his performance earlier in the season, responded with a solid all-around game, contributing 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds. Coach Rick Pitino noted Hopkins' growth and commitment to the team's defensive strategy. Ian Jackson also excelled, hitting four three-pointers and showcasing his development as a point guard, while Ejiofor narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds.

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Rick Pitino emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, "One thing about us is we don’t panic... We’re just trying to get better each day." He acknowledged the team's need for improvement but expressed confidence in their potential as the season progresses. Harvard's coach, Tommy Amaker, reflected on his team's performance, saying, "I was proud of how we started, I was equally disappointed in our ability to get where we came unglued."

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Despite the victory, St. John's faced criticism for their slow start, which has been a recurring theme this season. The team struggled initially against Harvard, allowing them to establish an early lead. Critics pointed out that such lapses could be detrimental in more competitive matchups.

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St. John's will look to build on this momentum as they enter Big East play, facing Georgetown on December 31, 2025. The game will be crucial for establishing their position in the conference following a rocky non-conference schedule.

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The Red Storm's decisive win over Harvard not only provided a much-needed confidence boost but also highlighted the team's potential when executing their defensive strategy effectively. As they prepare for the challenges ahead in the Big East, maintaining this level of performance will be essential for their success.

St. John’s Pummels Harvard 85-59