The energy around Madison Square Garden right now is, frankly, electric. If you're asking who won the St John's game, the answer depends on whether you're looking at the scoreboard from Tuesday night or peering ahead at tonight's massive Big East clash.
St. John’s absolutely dismantled Marquette on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with a final score of 92-68. It wasn't even close. Rick Pitino’s squad jumped out to a 12-2 lead and never looked back, proving that the "Red Storm" isn't just a nickname—it’s a warning.
Why the St John's Win Over Marquette Was Different
Honestly, we’ve seen St. John’s win big games before, but this one felt personal. Marquette is usually a powerhouse, but Shaka Smart’s team looked completely shell-shocked at the Mecca. Zuby Ejiofor was the undisputed man of the hour. He dropped 22 points, shooting an efficient 8-of-11.
But it wasn't just the scoring. It was the "heart and soul" stuff.
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Pitino even took to social media to praise Ejiofor’s hustle, highlighting a specific play where he outran two defenders for a loose ball. That’s the kind of grit that wins Big East titles. Oziyah Sellers added 24 points of his own, making it the first time in program history the Red Storm put up 90+ points in back-to-back conference games.
They are playing fast. They are playing mean. And they are making a lot of people in the Big East very nervous.
What Happened Last Night?
While the men were resting for their Saturday night showdown against Villanova, the St. John’s women’s tennis team was down in Fort Myers facing Florida Gulf Coast University on Friday, January 16. Unfortunately, that one didn't go their way. FGCU took the match 4-3.
Also, if you happen to be a high school hoops fan in Ohio, Delphos St. John’s pulled off a massive upset on Friday night, stunning the unbeaten Marion Local 66-36. Cameron Elwer was basically a human flamethrower, scoring 35 points and going a perfect 7-for-7 from three-point range.
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It’s easy to get these confused when you’re just Googling "who won the St John's game," because the name is everywhere in the sports world this week.
Looking Ahead: The Villanova Showdown
If you missed the Marquette game, don't worry. The real test is happening right now—Saturday, January 17, 2026. St. John's (12-5, 5-1 Big East) is in Philadelphia to take on the Villanova Wildcats (14-3, 5-1 Big East).
This is essentially a fight for second place in the conference standings.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Zuby Ejiofor vs. The Villanova Interior: Can Ejiofor maintain his ridiculous 16.2 PPG average against a 'Nova defense that only gives up about 68 points a game?
- Perimeter Defense: Villanova’s Devin Askew is coming off a 20-point performance. St. John’s needs to keep him off the line.
- The Pitino Factor: Coach Pitino has this team playing a more explosive style than last year. They’re averaging 86 points per game.
Most experts are calling this a toss-up. Villanova is 7-1 at home, but St. John’s is on a three-game winning streak where they’ve looked borderline unstoppable.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following the Red Storm this season, here is what you need to do to stay ahead:
- Watch the Standings: St. John's is currently 5-1 in the Big East. A win tonight against Villanova puts them in a prime position for a top-3 seed in the Big East Tournament.
- Monitor Zuby Ejiofor's Draft Stock: NBA scouts are starting to circle. His motor is exactly what professional teams look for in a modern big man.
- Check the Schedule: After tonight, the Red Storm returns home to face Seton Hall on Tuesday, January 20. Tickets for MSG are selling out fast, so grab them now if you're planning to head to the Garden.
The Red Storm is officially back in the national conversation. Whether they can sustain this 90-point-per-game pace through the grueling February schedule remains to be seen, but for now, they are the hottest ticket in New York. Keep an eye on the live box scores tonight—this Villanova game is going to be a battle.