INDIANAPOLIS — RJ Luis Jr. delivered an impressive performance by scoring 24 points, enabling No. 7 St. John’s to secure a share of their first Big East regular-season title in over three decades with a 76-70 victory over Butler on Wednesday night.
Kadary Richmond contributed significantly to the Red Storm’s (25-4, 16-2) success with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The team achieved a milestone by setting a school record for conference wins and claimed their sixth Big East regular-season championship overall.
St. John’s eyes the opportunity to clinch an outright league title on Saturday, which can be attained either by defeating Seton Hall at Madison Square Garden or with a Creighton loss at Xavier. The Red Storm’s sole outright Big East regular-season title was in 1985, a year that culminated in a Final Four appearance.
Expressing his unwavering ambition, Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, who has significantly revitalized the St. John’s program in just two seasons, stated, “We are not interested in sharing anything. I’ll share other things in my life. I’m not interested in sharing championships.”
