UConn rolls by 32 in Pitino's biggest loss at St. John's - ESPN
ESPN
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UConn delivered a commanding 72-40 victory over St. John's on Wednesday night, avenging their earlier loss and handing the Red Storm their largest defeat under coach Rick Pitino. The Huskies' defense was instrumental in limiting St. John's to just 20% shooting, with Tarris Reed Jr. leading the way with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks. UConn's dominance was highlighted by a staggering 18-0 run in the first half, which extended their lead and ultimately led to a blowout win that marked their most lopsided victory in series history.
St. John's struggled throughout the game, missing their final 24 field goal attempts after a poor start that included 12 consecutive misses in the first half. Their offensive performance was described as one of their worst under Pitino, who took full responsibility for the team's shortcomings. The loss snapped St. John's 13-game winning streak and dropped them just behind UConn in the Big East conference standings. It also marked the Red Storm's fewest points since 2013 and their largest margin of defeat in over three decades.
For UConn, the win moved them back into first place in the conference and showcased their ability to bounce back from a previous loss to St. John's at Madison Square Garden. Key contributors included Alex Karaban, who added 14 points and five rebounds, and Silas Demary Jr., who provided a strong all-around performance with seven points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The Huskies' dominance in the paint (42-12) and their ability to demoralize St. John's were key factors in their victory.
This game was not just a turning point for UConn but also highlighted the challenges St. John's faces moving forward. Pitino acknowledged the team's lack of offensive execution and shared responsibility, emphasizing the need for improvement. The blowout loss serves as a reminder that even top-tier teams can have off nights, while UConn demonstrated their resilience and defensive prowess in a crucial conference matchup.
The implications of this game extend beyond the
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026