INDIANAPOLIS — RJ Luis Jr. delivered an outstanding performance by scoring 24 points, leading No. 7 St. John’s to secure a share of the Big East regular-season title for the first time in 33 years, following a 76-70 victory over Butler on Wednesday night.
The Red Storm, with a record of 25-4 overall and 16-2 in conference play, achieved a new school record for the most conference wins. Kadary Richmond contributed significantly with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. This victory marks the sixth time St. John’s has claimed the Big East regular-season championship.
St. John’s now has the opportunity to claim the outright league championship. They can achieve this on Saturday with a win against Seton Hall at Madison Square Garden or if Creighton loses to Xavier.
The team’s only prior outright regular-season title in the Big East was in 1985, which paved the way to a Final Four appearance. Head Coach Rick Pitino, noted for his Hall of Fame career, has been instrumental in revitalizing the team over the past two seasons. Declaring his ambitions, Pitino stated, “We are not interested in sharing anything. I’ll share other things in my life. I’m not interested in sharing championships.”
St. John’s continues to build momentum as they aim to finalize their spot at the top of the Big East standings with the forthcoming game.
