The Big Game
By Sean McVeigh
What a game this past weekend! It had everything — rivalry, comebacks, clutch moments — and the better team came out on top. But of course, that’s been the story of this team’s season.
Oh, wait — did you think I was talking about the Super Bowl? Please. Who cares about that? I’m talking about the game everyone was really watching Friday night: St. John’s vs. UConn.
I don’t usually write about sports. It’s tough. There are those who despise the team you cover and those who live and breathe it. Either way, it’s a tough crowd. But this team has forced me to break my own rule. And I think I can safely say this: St. John’s is New York’s team. This is Rockaway’s team.
Last Friday, the red-hot Johnnies marched into Gampel Pavilion — the so-called “college basketball capital of the world” — and took down the back-to-back national champion UConn Huskies. As Bill Raftery said during their previous game, “I think the Johnnies are officially back!”
On Monday, the new AP rankings confirmed it: St. John’s, now 21-3, climbed to No. 9 in the country. It’s the first time in 25 years the team has cracked the top 10.
For the past quarter-century, New York City has been a barren wasteland in college basketball. Sure, we got to watch some of the best teams in the country come through Madison Square Garden — but we also had to watch them run circles around our beloved Johnnies. That got old fast.
Well, those days are over.
St. John’s is 15-0 at home this season, undefeated at both The Garden and Carnesecca Arena. And their three losses this year were determined by a combined four points.
What Rick Pitino has done in just two seasons — with only four returning players from last year — is nothing short of remarkable. And he’s done it with a team that, at times, couldn’t buy a three-pointer and, at others, looked like they couldn’t hit a free throw on a Little Tikes hoop. Yet, somehow, game after game, they figure out a way to win. They just want it more. And that energy is contagious.
This season is far from over. As we go to press, St. John’s is preparing to take on a tough Villanova squad, followed by a matchup with Creighton — the only Big East team to beat them this season — at The Garden on Sunday. Then there’s still one more against both UConn and Marquette.
There’s no guarantee this magical run continues through the Big East Tournament or deep into March Madness. But no matter what happens, this team has reignited the city’s love for college basketball — and, more importantly, the city’s love for St. John’s.
For years, no matter how good or bad the team was, you could always count on running into someone from the peninsula at Carnesecca or MSG. Now? It’s getting ridiculous. And I love it. I hope more people jump on the bandwagon — the more, the merrier.
In today’s college sports landscape, things can change in an instant. Who knows how long this ride will last? So let’s enjoy every second of it while we can.
See you at The Garden on Sunday.
Let’s Go Johnnies!
