St. John's University (N.Y.) delivered a resounding 90-73 victory over Creighton at the CHI Health Center Omaha, showcasing their depth and talent. The Red Storm's high-powered offense was on full display, with Lefteris Liotopoulos pacing the team with 17 points. Oziyah Sellers and Zuby Ejiofor also made significant contributions, with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, and 12 points and 6 assists, respectively.
The game got off to a blistering start, with St. John's racing out to a 52-34 halftime lead. The Red Storm's offense was nearly unstoppable in the first half, with Liotopoulos and Sellers combining for 23 points. Creighton, led by Isaac Traudt's 14 points, struggled to keep pace, despite a solid effort from their top scorer. Blake Harper and Nik Graves added 12 and 9 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide.
In the second half, St. John's continued to push the tempo, although their scoring pace slowed somewhat. The Red Storm still managed to outscore Creighton 38-39 in the period, maintaining their comfortable lead. The Bluejays made a few runs, but St. John's always seemed to have an answer, whether it was a timely three-pointer or a driving layup.
The win was a significant one for St. John's, as it marked a Quadrant 1 victory on the road. Given Creighton's current net ranking of 61, this result will undoubtedly bolster the Red Storm's tournament resume. For Creighton, the loss was also a Q1 game, and while it may not be a devastating blow, it does highlight the need for the Bluejays to regroup and refocus.
St. John's' performance was all the more impressive given the hostile environment at the CHI Health Center Omaha. The Red Storm's ability to adapt and thrive on the road will serve them well as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. With this win, St. John's improves to 15-5 on the season, solidifying their position as a legitimate tournament contender.
As the season enters its critical phase, St. John's want to build on this momentum, while Creighton will aim to bounce back from the loss. The Red Storm's tournament chances have certainly been enhanced by this result, and they will be eager to continue their push towards a postseason berth. With their current net ranking of 25, St. John's is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament, and this win over Creighton will be a key factor in their resume.