Basketball in the Big East is usually a street fight in expensive sneakers. But when you look at St. John’s vs Marquette basketball lately, it feels like two programs moving in completely opposite directions at 100 miles per hour. Just a few nights ago, on January 13, 2026, we saw exactly what that looks like. Rick Pitino’s Red Storm didn't just beat Marquette; they absolutely dismantled them 92-68 at Madison Square Garden.
It was loud. It was messy for the Golden Eagles. And honestly, it was a bit of a reality check for anyone still clinging to the preseason polls.
The Pitino Effect is Finally Hitting Different
You’ve seen the headlines. Rick Pitino returns to New York, brings in a dozen transfers, and everyone expects a miracle in year one. It didn't quite happen that way. Last season was good—defending a Big East title good—but this 2025-26 campaign started with some major "uh-oh" moments. Losing to a struggling Providence team at home to open the new year? That’s not the script.
But Pitino is nothing if not a tactician who thrives when his back is against the wall. He told the press their backs were against the wall, and the team actually listened. Since that Providence stumble, St. John's has been on a tear. They went on the road and handled Butler and Creighton before coming home to crush Marquette.
What's the secret sauce? It’s basically the depth. When you have guys like Zuby Ejiofor—who is currently averaging nearly 16 points and 8 rebounds—anchoring the middle, it opens up everything for the shooters.
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Ian Jackson and Dillon Mitchell are the names that get the casual fans through the door. They’re the first pair of McDonald’s All-Americans to play together for the Johnnies since the Ron Artest era in the late 90s. That’s a heavy legacy to carry. Against Marquette, you could see that chemistry finally clicking. Jackson is playing with a "NY native" chip on his shoulder after his stint at North Carolina, and it’s making the Red Storm incredibly hard to guard in transition.
What is Going On in Milwaukee?
On the other side of the court, Shaka Smart is facing a puzzle he hasn't quite solved yet. Marquette is 6-12 overall and 1-6 in the Big East. Let that sink in. For a program that’s been a perennial powerhouse, seeing them at the bottom of the standings is jarring.
Basically, they’re young. Really young.
Losing Kam Jones, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell all at once is like trying to replace the engine, the transmission, and the tires of a car at the same time while driving down the highway. Chase Ross has stepped up, averaging over 15 points, and Nigel James Jr. is a legitimate spark plug—he dropped 31 on Villanova recently—but the consistency just isn't there.
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In that 92-68 loss to St. John’s, Marquette looked tired. They were outrebounded, outmuscled, and outpaced. They're shooting just about 30% from three as a team this season. In the modern game, if you can’t hit the long ball, you’re basically playing with one hand tied behind your back.
The Statistical Reality
If we're being honest, the box score from their latest matchup tells a grim story for Marquette:
- St. John's FG%: 46.3% (consistently punishing inside)
- Marquette FG%: 38.0% (struggling to find easy looks)
- The Rebound Gap: St. John's is second in the Big East in offensive boards. They had their way on the glass.
Why This Rivalry Still Matters
Even with Marquette struggling, St. John's vs Marquette basketball remains a "must-watch" because of the coaching styles. You have Pitino’s frantic, high-pressure match-up zone and Shaka Smart’s "Havoc" philosophy. Even when the talent levels are skewed, these games tend to be physical and high-possession.
Historically, Marquette actually holds the lead in the series, winning 23 of the 38 meetings since 2003. But the tide is turning. St. John's has won the last four matchups. The days of Marquette walking into the Garden and bullying the Johnnies seem to be over for now.
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The Big East is currently a gauntlet. With UConn sitting at 7-0 in the conference and Seton Hall and Villanova looking strong, the margin for error is zero. St. John's is currently tied for second at 5-1 in the conference. For them, every game against a lower-ranked team like Marquette isn't just about winning; it's about not slipping up and ruining their seeding for the Big East Tournament in March.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you're following these teams or looking at the betting lines for the rematch, keep these factors in mind:
- Watch the Glass: If St. John's wins the rebounding battle by +5 or more, they almost always win the game. Ejiofor is the key here.
- The Nigel James Factor: For Marquette to pull an upset, Nigel James Jr. has to be the best player on the floor. He's shown he can score 30+, but he needs help from the veterans like Ben Gold to stretch the floor.
- Pressure vs. Poise: Marquette turns the ball over more than Shaka Smart would like. If Pitino senses blood in the water, he’ll press for 40 minutes.
- Home Court Advantage: The Garden is a different animal this year. St. John's is 8-2 at home, and the energy is finally reminiscent of the old Big East days.
The next few weeks will decide if Marquette can salvage a NIT bid or if St. John's can actually challenge UConn for the regular-season crown. Right now, the Red Storm looks like a freight train, and Marquette is just trying to stay on the tracks.
To get the most out of the upcoming schedule, track the "Points in the Paint" stat for St. John's. When they settle for contested threes, they're beatable. When they feed Mitchell and Ejiofor at the rim, they're a Top-15 team. For Marquette, watch the development of Royce Parham. He's the future of their frontcourt, and his growth as a sophomore is the biggest silver lining in a tough season.