Yes! St. John's Dominates Big East Opener: 5 Key Takeaways From The Red Storm's Latest Victory
Yes, St. John's won their most recent game! The No. 22/20 St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team successfully opened their conference schedule with a decisive 79-66 victory over the DePaul Blue Demons on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Carnesecca Arena. This win marks a crucial first step in the highly competitive BIG EAST season, moving the Johnnies to a 7-3 overall record and 1-0 in conference play. The atmosphere was electric, signaling a strong start for the team under the leadership of legendary coach Rick Pitino.
The victory was a testament to the team's depth and defensive intensity, a hallmark of a Rick Pitino-coached squad. While the game was not played on this exact Friday, December 19, 2025, the win on Tuesday is the most current and significant result, setting the stage for a massive weekend showdown that has the entire college basketball world buzzing. Here is the comprehensive breakdown of the latest action and what it means for the Red Storm's season.
The Latest St. John's Red Storm Game: Box Score and Key Details
The Red Storm's latest win was a statement performance to kick off the BIG EAST schedule. They controlled the game from the start, building an early lead that DePaul could never fully overcome. The final score reflected a well-rounded team effort, with several players stepping up in critical moments.
- Date of Game: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Opponent: DePaul Blue Demons
- Location: Carnesecca Arena (Queens, NY)
- Final Score: St. John's 79, DePaul 66
- St. John's Record: 7-3 Overall, 1-0 BIG EAST
- AP Ranking: No. 22 (No. 20 in Coaches Poll)
Star Player Spotlight: Dylan Darling's Breakout Game
The undisputed star of the BIG EAST opener was sophomore guard Dylan Darling. Coming off the bench, Darling delivered a sensational performance, providing the offensive spark the team needed. His ability to score from multiple spots on the floor proved instrumental in maintaining the Red Storm's comfortable lead throughout the second half.
- Dylan Darling's Stats: Season-high 17 points.
- Impact: His energy and scoring punch off the bench cemented his role as a crucial sixth man for Coach Pitino.
Other key contributors included guard R.J. Smith, who provided solid defense and scoring, and the team's veteran frontcourt, which dominated the rebounding battle. The Johnnies' depth was on full display, a factor that will be vital as they navigate the grueling conference schedule.
Rick Pitino's Vision: Topical Authority and the BIG EAST Landscape
The win against DePaul is more than just a single victory; it's a confirmation of the direction of the St. John's basketball program under Head Coach Rick Pitino. Pitino, a legendary figure in college basketball, is in his third season leading the Red Storm, and his influence is clear in the team's renewed focus on defense and discipline.
The BIG EAST is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in the nation, featuring perennial contenders like UConn, Creighton, and Villanova. By starting 1-0 in conference play, St. John's immediately establishes itself in the top tier of the early BIG EAST standings, alongside other undefeated teams like UConn and Georgetown.
St. John's Red Storm Program Entity List:
- Head Coach: Rick Pitino
- Conference: BIG EAST Conference
- Home Court: Carnesecca Arena (and Madison Square Garden for select games)
- Key Players (2025-2026): Dylan Darling, R.J. Smith, Oziyah Sellers
- Rivalries: Georgetown Hoyas, Seton Hall Pirates, Villanova Wildcats
- Current Rank: No. 22 (AP Poll)
Pitino has consistently praised the effort of his players, emphasizing that defensive consistency and rebounding will be the keys to success in the conference. The 79-66 win over the Blue Demons showcased that commitment, as the Red Storm used a massive early surge to build an 18-point cushion that proved insurmountable.
What's Next? The Massive Showdown Against Kentucky
The victory over DePaul serves as the perfect springboard for the Red Storm's next, and arguably biggest, non-conference test of the season. The Johnnies will face a high-profile matchup this weekend that will have major implications for their national ranking and resume heading into the heart of conference play.
The Next St. John's Game:
- Opponent: No. 22 Kentucky Wildcats
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Location: Atlanta, GA (Neutral Site)
- Context: A highly anticipated non-conference battle, often referred to as a "showdown" between two storied programs.
Coach Pitino, who has deep historical ties to the Kentucky program, has already expressed his anticipation for the game, calling it a potential defensive slugfest. This matchup is a critical opportunity for St. John's to secure a Quadrant 1 win, which is essential for boosting their NET ranking and improving their seeding chances for the NCAA Tournament in March.
The performance of players like Dylan Darling and the overall team defense against DePaul will need to be replicated and amplified against a tough Kentucky team. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Red Storm can maintain their winning streak and deliver a statement victory on a national stage. This game is a must-watch for any college basketball enthusiast and a true test of St. John's readiness to compete for a BIG EAST title.
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