Heartbreaking Defeat on New Year’s Eve

OMAHA, Neb. — It was a scene all too familiar for St. John's fans as they watched their team suffer a heartbreaking defeat to Creighton, losing 57-56 on New Year’s Eve. The tension built as time wound down, only to be punctuated by missed opportunities that haunted the Red Storm.

Final Moments of the Game

In a gripping finish, St. John’s had a golden chance to secure victory, but RJ Luis’s final attempts fell short in the last six seconds. While there was contact during his drive, it wasn’t as clear-cut as the previous year’s controversial no-call against Jordan Dingle. "He should've taken the wide open 3," lamented Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, pointing to Luis’s decision to penetrate into a crowded lane instead of settling for a more reliable shot.

Red Storm’s Struggles Continue

It’s a harsh lesson for the Red Storm, who now sit at 11-3 and 2-1 in Big East play. Despite a promising start to the season, they have now struggled from beyond the arc for three consecutive conference games, posting a dismal two-of-nine shooting from three-point range against Creighton.

Momentum Shift in the Second Half

The game began with St. John’s buoyed by a solid defense and an 11-point lead in the first half. However, the Bluejays, led by their towering center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who dominated with 16 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks, clawed their way back into the game. Pitino noted, “We wanted to go around him, not over him,” showcasing St. John’s struggle to adjust against the formidable Creighton defense, which ultimately outperformed them in both transition and rebounding.

Late Game Challenges

As the teams entered the second half, Creighton capitalized on offensive rebounds, turning them into crucial second-chance points. A momentum shift occurred midway through the second half, with the Bluejays embarking on a 12-2 run that turned a narrow deficit into a commanding lead.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

In the final minutes, St. John’s kept battling, but their inability to convert from the three-point line and capitalize on late-game opportunities cost them dearly. Despite their recent struggles, Pitino remains optimistic. "In all my 50 years, I haven’t seen these types of stats, and we’re still right there to win," he reflected on the narrow losses to some of the best teams they’ve faced this season, including No. 25 Baylor and Georgia.

A Season of Hope?

The Johnnies are now looking to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming matchups, determined to improve their execution and break free from their current shooting slump. Fans are left wondering if this heartbreaking defeat will serve as motivation for a turnaround in the next phase of their season. Will they finally find their rhythm and turn the tides in the New Year? Only time will tell!