PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A night of thrills took center stage as St. John’s emerged victorious with a nail-biting 72-70 victory over Providence, thanks to the clutch performance of Zuby Ejiofor.

Just weeks after suffering heartbreak against Baylor in The Bahamas, where missed free throws left the team reeling, the Red Storm turned the tables in dramatic fashion at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Friday night. With time winding down, Ejiofor's buzzer-beating jumper sent the St. John's fans into a frenzy, marking their first win at Providence since 2017.

“I’ve never made a buzzer-beater, so this feels amazing,” exclaimed Ejiofor, who contributed significantly to the team’s first Big East victory of the season after overcoming a 13-point halftime deficit. His 19 points and 10 rebounds were pivotal, showcasing the promising talent of the young big man.

St. John’s started the game sluggishly, trailing by as much as 16 points. The team struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 11 of 26 attempts. Yet, resilience emerged as Ejiofor collected his sixth offensive rebound, leading to the game-winner that epitomized his dedication to the team's success.

Coach Rick Pitino praised Ejiofor's determination, stating, “Zuby’s a monster.” His performance was further complemented by Deivon Smith’s 17 points and RJ Luis’s 16, highlighting a balanced scoring effort.

The game was marked by a tumultuous finish. With just under 35 seconds remaining, Smith scored to put St. John's up by three, but Providence quickly leveled the game with Bensley Joseph’s three-pointer. When Smith's shot fell short on the ensuing possession, it was Ejiofor who seized the opportunity for the dramatic win.

Despite the struggles, Pitino celebrated the team's ability to overcome adversity. “They showed tremendous mental maturity. A few weeks ago, these missed free throws would have cost us the game, but today they found a way to win,” he noted.

St. John’s has demonstrated a knack for comebacks, now reflecting a 10-2 overall record and a 2-0 start in conference play, with their second-half resilience becoming a hallmark of their strategy. Ejiofor emphasized the importance of teamwork through tough situations during the post-game interview, underscoring the team’s growth.

“This victory shows our ability to fight through adversity,” Ejiofor affirmed. “We lift each other up, and tonight we proved we can get it done even when the odds are against us.”

As the season progresses, St. John’s and Ejiofor's star continue to rise, leaving fans hopeful for a thrilling journey ahead in the Big East conference. Keep an eye on this team – they’re just getting started!