College basketball rankings: UConn rises in Top 25 And 1 after Huskies end St. John's streak in blowout
CBS Sports
by
Gary Parrish
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UConn has solidified its position at the top of the Big East standings after a commanding 72-40 victory over St. John's, ending the Red Storm's 13-game winning streak. The Huskies' dominance was evident as they held St. John's to just 11 field goals in the entire game, including a staggering 0-for-12 stretch in the first half and missing their final 24 field goal attempts. This historic blowout not only showcased UConn's strength but also marked one of the few times coach Rick Pitino has experienced such a defeat in his illustrious career.
With this win, UConn improved to 26-3 overall and 16-2 in conference play, while St. John's dropped to 22-6 overall and 15-2 in the Big East. The outcome significantly impacts the standings, keeping both teams in contention for co-championship status in the Big East. UConn's impressive performance has also boosted their national ranking, moving them up to No. 10 in NET, No. 9 at KenPom.com, and No. 8 at BartTorvik.com. In the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings, the Huskies jumped to No. 6, pushing Houston, Purdue, and Nebraska down one spot each.
The victory underscores UConn's dominance in their conference and positions them as strong contenders for the Big East Tournament title. With both teams likely securing top seeds in the tournament, a potential rematch in the title game at Madison Square Garden on March 14 could highlight the event. This clash would not only decide the conference champion but also have significant implications for NCAA Tournament seeding.
The article highlights the importance of this matchup and its impact on the Big East landscape. UConn's ability to disrupt St. John's momentum has shifted the dynamics of their rivalry, making their upcoming encounter one of the most anticipated games of the season. Sports enthusiasts will be eager to see how these teams perform in the high-stakes tournament setting.
In summary, UConn's decisive win over St. John's not only solidified their place at the top of the Big East standings but also demonstrated their potential to challenge for the conference title. The article emphasizes the significance of this game and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season and the upcoming tournament.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026