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In a remarkable college basketball matchup on December 13, 2025, Rick Pitino and the No. 22 ranked St. John’s Red Storm faced off against his former team, Iona Gaels, in a high-stakes game at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s emerged victorious with a commanding score of 91-64, showcasing a stellar performance that highlighted their depth and resilience.
The Game Highlights: St. John’s Overcomes Early Struggles
The game started with challenges for St. John’s, as they missed 12 of their first 13 shots. However, the team quickly regained composure and finished the game shooting at an efficient 51.7%. Their ability to bounce back showed the determination that Coach Pitino has instilled in them. This victory was especially sweet for Pitino, as it marked the first competition between St. John’s and Iona since his highly publicized move to St. John’s in March 2023. Under Pitino, Iona had achieved an impressive record of 64-22 and made two NCAA Tournament appearances in just three years, making this win even more significant.
Player Performances: Standouts on the Court
Oziyah Sellers was a key player for the Red Storm, scoring 19 points, 16 of which came in a productive second half. He exhibited excellent shooting, hitting four three-pointers while finishing the game with a shooting percentage of 53.8% (7 of 13). Alongside Sellers, Zuby Ejiofor made a significant impact by tying a career-high with eight blocks for the second consecutive game, contributing defensively while also scoring six points and grabbing ten rebounds. Ian Jackson’s return to the starting lineup added to the team’s success, as he contributed 14 points.
Iona Gaels’ efforts were spearheaded by C.J. Anthony, who scored 20 points but faced challenges as the team overall managed only a 38% shooting efficiency. The Gaels started the second half strong, narrowing the deficit to just four points, largely thanks to a three-pointer by Anthony. Despite their efforts, St. John’s answered back with a dominating streak, scoring ten consecutive points to lead 58-44.
Understanding the Impact of Rick Pitino’s Move
Rick Pitino’s transition from Iona to St. John’s has been a major talking point in the college basketball community. His style of coaching has revitalized the St. John’s program, and this game further underscored the legitimacy of that transformation. St. John’s victory reinforces their position within the NCAA landscape and serves as a reminder of Pitino’s strategic prowess and leadership.
St. John’s will look to carry this momentum into their next match, hosting DePaul in their Big East opener shortly after this victory. Meanwhile, Iona will focus on regrouping before heading to Vermont on December 20, hoping to bounce back from this defeat.
Looking Ahead: Season Expectations
As both teams continue their respective seasons, expectations will be high. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how St. John’s adapts to the increased scrutiny that comes with being a ranked team under Pitino’s guidance, while Iona aims to return to form with a strong performance against Vermont. This clash and the rivalry between these two teams add an exciting chapter to college basketball this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game between Iona and St. John’s?
The final score was St. John’s 91, Iona 64.
Who led St. John’s in scoring during the game?
Oziyah Sellers led St. John’s with 19 points, scoring 16 of those in the second half.
How did Rick Pitino’s coaching impact St. John’s?
Under Rick Pitino’s leadership, St. John’s has improved significantly, showcasing strategic gameplay and strong performances, especially evident in their victory over Iona.
What’s next for St. John’s after the victory?
St. John’s will host DePaul in their Big East opener following this win.
When does Iona play next?
Iona will visit Vermont on December 20, 2025.
