San Juan’s He defeated Creighton on Saturday night to win the first title of the Big East Tournament of the school in 25 years thanks to the coach of the Fame Rick Pitino Hall, and plans to celebrate big.
After knocking down the 82-66 tiles behind the stellar performances of RJ Luis Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor, Pitino sat with Fox Sports to discuss what the victory meant for him.
St. John’s Rich Rick Pitino’s chief coach after winning the Big East Championship against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2025. (Robert Deutsch-Imagn images)
“We just wanted to play each game in the Big East Tournament As if it were the first round, second round and third round [of the NCAA Tournament]”Pinito said.
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“We did that. The pressure was increasing us, but we got big.”
Despite continuing at the end of the first half, St. John’s recovered in the second half, making 14 consecutive shots from the field. Luis scored all but two of his 29 points after part time and Ejiofor added 20 points to win the Big East title on Saturday.
“At the beginning of the year we had our goals, but we only expected to make the tournament, to enter,” said Pinito.
St. John’s chief coach Rick Pitino, gestures after defeating the Creighton Bluejays to win the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2025. (Brad Penner-Imagn images)
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But before San Juan finds out of his destiny in Sunday selection, The legendary coach revealed to Fox Sports his plans to celebrate historical victory.
“I’m going to drink a Jameson room,” he said with a smile.
Pitino is the first coach in history to reach the NCAA tournament with six different teams. Victoria sealed the automatic offer of St. John for the great dance for the first time since 2019.
“Great victory for the city. Great victory for our university. You listen to all the time that is the New York team, and it really is,” Pitino said. “As New York, I am very, very proud that St. John’s has reached this level.”
St. John’s Red Storm Zuby Exiofor striker is received by chief coach Rick Pitino when the game ends against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2025. (Robert Deutsch-Imagn images)
St. John’s is expected to win seed number 2 on Sunday.
