St. John’s basketball team faced their first defeat of the season against No. 15 Alabama, losing 103-96. Despite a solid comeback and strong crowd support, the Johnnies could not maintain their lead.
St. John’s Early Game Performance
St. John’s erased an 11-point deficit and briefly led in the second half, energizing the crowd at Madison Square Garden. However, defensive lapses allowed Alabama to regain control and ultimately secure the win.
Coach Rick Pitino stated the team needs to improve its one-on-one defense. Alabama guards Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway dominated, combining for 46 points, exposing weaknesses in St. John’s backcourt, particularly without Dylan Darling due to injury.
Critical Moments and Challenges
Following a 19-7 run that gave St. John’s the lead, the offense stalled, leading to crucial mistakes near the end of the game. Coach Pitino noted that the team committed fundamental errors that cost them the victory.
Alabama effectively exploited St. John’s defensive weaknesses during the first half, leading to a substantial lead at halftime. Despite some strong performances by Ejiofor and Hopkins, the team struggled collectively, especially in rebounding and shooting.
Looking Ahead for St. John’s
Coach Pitino emphasized the need to identify and rectify the team’s deficiencies, remaining optimistic about their potential. He acknowledged the players’ desire to win and their need to learn how to execute under pressure.
Despite the loss, Pitino believes this experience will be valuable for the team, as they aim to improve and build on their performance in future games.
