Rick Pitino Reveals Plans to Celebrate St. John's Historic Big East Tournament Victory

St. John’s Red Storm claimed their first Big East Tournament title in 25 years on Saturday night, defeating Creighton 82-66 in an electrifying game that showcased the brilliance of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. With the victory, Pitino is set to celebrate in his own unforgettable style.

Speaking to FOX Sports after the game, Pitino explained how his team approached the tournament: "We just wanted to play every game in the Big East Tournament as if it was the first round, second round, and third round of the NCAA Tournament. We did that. The pressure was mounting on us, but we came through in a big way."

St. John’s started slow, trailing at halftime, but turned up the heat in the second half. The team scored a remarkable 14 consecutive field goals, with RJ Luis Jr. pouring in 27 of his 29 points during the second half and Zuby Ejiofor contributing 20 points. Their effort secured a historic win and the coveted Big East title.

Reflecting on the season, Pitino admitted: "In the beginning of the year, we had our goals, but we were just hoping to make the tournament – to get in." Well, they did more than just "get in"; St. John’s earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

Before celebrating Selection Sunday, Pitino disclosed his plans for a personal celebration: "I’m gonna drink a quart of Jameson’s," he quipped, reminding everyone that even legends like him deserve a moment to unwind.

Pitino’s achievement is historic in its own right, marking the first time a coach has led six different teams to the NCAA Tournament. He emphasized the significance of the victory for New York City, saying, "Great win for the city. Great win for our university. You hear it all along that it’s New York’s team, and it truly is. As a New Yorker myself, I’m very, very proud that St. John’s has gotten to this level."

St. John’s is expected to land the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a reflection of their remarkable season and Pitino’s leadership. The buzz around the Red Storm’s triumph will surely resonate across New York and the nation as fans eagerly await their next chapter.