St. John's University (N.Y.) delivered a resounding 92-68 victory over Marquette at Madison Square Garden, showcasing their depth and talent. Oziyah Sellers led the charge with 24 points, while Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins contributed 22 points and 12 points, respectively, to the winning effort. The Red Storm's performance was a reflection of their strength, as they outscored Marquette in both halves, taking a 40-34 lead into the break and extending it with a 52-point second half.
Chase Ross was the lone bright spot for Marquette, scoring 20 points in a losing effort. Nigel James Jr. added 17 points, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with St. John's' high-powered offense. The Golden Eagles struggled to find their rhythm, scoring just 34 points in each half, a far cry from the Red Storm's explosive output.
The game unfolded with St. John's taking control from the outset, using their athleticism and quick ball movement to create scoring opportunities. Ejiofor's 7 rebounds and Hopkins' 8 rebounds helped the Red Storm dominate the glass, limiting Marquette's second-chance opportunities. As the game wore on, St. John's' lead continued to grow, with the Red Storm's bench contributing valuable minutes and points.
This victory has real consequences for St. John's' tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 win. The Red Storm, now 15-5 on the season, continue to build momentum and strengthen their case for a postseason berth. On the other hand, Marquette, with a record of 8-14, faces an uphill battle, and this loss, classified as a Quadrant 1 defeat, won't help their chances. The Golden Eagles' net ranking of 144 makes their path to the tournament increasingly difficult.
The outcome of this game highlights the disparity between the two teams, with St. John's' 25 net ranking and Marquette's 144 net ranking reflecting their respective strengths. As the season progresses, St. John's want to build on this win, while Marquette must regroup and find ways to overcome their struggles.
This result reinforces St. John's' position as a formidable opponent, and their performance will undoubtedly boost their confidence heading into future matchups. With their depth and talent on full display, the Red Storm are poised to make a push in the tournament conversation. For Marquette, the challenge is clear: they must find a way to compete with top-tier teams like St. John's if they hope to turn their season around and make a late push for the postseason. The loss to St. John's serves as a reminder of the work ahead for the Golden Eagles, and their tournament chances remain bleak.