UPDATE: St. John’s University is set for an intense week in Las Vegas as they kick off the highly competitive Players Era Festival today. The 14th-ranked Red Storm faces off against No. 16 Iowa State at 4:30 p.m. ET in Michelob Ultra Arena, marking a pivotal moment in their season.
The stakes could not be higher for St. John’s as they look to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. Coach Rick Pitino described the tournament field as a “who’s who” of college basketball, with nine ranked teams and four others receiving votes. “These games could shape our season,” Pitino emphasized, underlining the urgency of performing well this week.
After a disappointing loss to Alabama earlier this month, St. John’s hopes to rebound against formidable opponents. “Iowa State is a ranked team, and Baylor is too,” said player Zuby Ejiofor. “Each win helps us with our resume in the long run.” A strong performance in Vegas could elevate their standing in the competitive Big East conference.
The tournament format features 18 teams divided into two pools, with St. John’s facing tough competition in their pool, including Baylor and Creighton. Following today’s matchup, the Storm will take on Baylor tomorrow at the same time, with the potential for a third game based on their performance.
Pitino is optimistic about Ejiofor’s ability to shine this week despite recent struggles. “Zuby is key for us, and I believe he will deliver,” Pitino stated. Ejiofor had an impressive outing against Alabama, scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. However, he has since struggled to maintain that momentum.
St. John’s is aware of the implications these games hold for their postseason prospects. According to metrics from Kenpom.com, the Big East’s overall strength is under scrutiny, and performances in tournaments like this are crucial for establishing credibility with the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
The outcomes from this week will not only impact St. John’s but also set the tone for the rest of the Big East as teams attempt to secure their spots in the NCAA Tournament. With the schedule packed and the competition fierce, all eyes will be on Las Vegas as the Red Storm aim for success.
As the tournament unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. St. John’s must capitalize on every opportunity to turn their season around, making the next few days critical.
Stay tuned for live updates and results from the Players Era Festival as St. John’s aims to make a lasting impression on the national stage.
