UConn and St. John’s Set for Big East Championship Clash
UConn (29-4, 17-3) and St. John’s (27-6, 18-2) will battle for the Big East Tournament Championship on Saturday, March 14th, at Madison Square Garden. The matchup pits the league’s top two seeds against each other in a rubber match after splitting their regular-season contests.
The Rise of St. John’s Under Rick Pitino
St. John’s, ranked No. 21 in KenPom with the No. 14 defense nationally, is seeking its second consecutive Big East Tournament crown and has won back-to-back regular season titles. Coach Rick Pitino believes the success stems from senior forward Zuby Ejiofor. The Red Storm have won 39 of their last 43 Big East games, including a 3-1 record against UConn.
UConn’s Pursuit of a Championship
The No. 6 AP-ranked Huskies, No. 9 in KenPom and NET rankings, advanced to the championship game with a wire-to-wire win over Georgetown, led by 21 points from Braylon Mullins. UConn is aiming for its second Big East Tournament title since 2024. A win could also improve their seeding in the upcoming NCAA tournament, potentially regaining a No. 1 seed.
A History of Rivalry
The Huskies and Red Storm have a long history, with St. John’s leading the all-time series 40-35 in 75 matchups. In the Dan Hurley era, UConn has won seven of twelve games. The teams last met on February 25th, with UConn dominating St. John’s 72-40 in Hartford. In Big East Tournament play, St. John’s holds a 4-3 advantage, with their last meeting in 2024 resulting in a UConn victory.
Key Matchup Dynamics
The season series showcased contrasting performances. UConn committed 15 turnovers in their earlier loss at Madison Square Garden, although they held St. John’s to just 40 points in their dominant win at home. Controlling the glass and limiting St. John’s full-court pressure will be crucial for UConn. The Red Storm’s length, featuring players like Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins, presents a challenge UConn will necessitate to address.
Freshman Impact: Mullins and Ross
Braylon Mullins is emerging as a key player for UConn, becoming the first Husky freshman to score at least 21 points and grab five rebounds in a Big East Tournament game. Jayden Ross has also stepped up in recent games, providing valuable versatility and defensive energy, especially with Jaylin Stewart sidelined due to right knee inflammation.
Coaching Battle: Hurley vs. Pitino
The championship game features a compelling coaching matchup between Dan Hurley and Rick Pitino, both Hall of Fame coaches with impressive resumes. Hurley is seeking to reach the championship game for just the second time in six years, while Pitino aims for back-to-back Big East titles with different teams.
Game Details
- Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 6:30 p.m.
- TV/Stream: FS1, FoxSports.com
- Radio: UConn Sports Network, Sirius XM 84, Sirius/XM online streaming
- Odds: UConn -3, O/U 140.5
- Location: Madison Square Garden — New York, New York
- KenPom Predicted Score: UConn, 72-71
FAQ
Q: Where is the Big East Championship game being played?
A: Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.
Q: What is the predicted outcome according to KenPom?
A: KenPom predicts UConn will win 72-71.
Q: Who is out for UConn due to injury?
A: Jaylin Stewart will miss the tournament with right knee inflammation.
Q: What is St. John’s record against UConn in Big East Tournament history?
A: St. John’s leads 4-3.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on UConn’s ability to limit turnovers. They struggled with ball security in their first matchup against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.
What are your predictions for the Big East Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
