Trending Now - St. John's Dominates Northern Iowa in March Madness Opener

WHO:

St. John's Red Storm basketball team

Rick Pitino, head coach of St. John's

Zuby Ejiofor, forward for St. John's

Bryce Hopkins, player for St. John's

Oziyah Sellers, guard for St. John's

Ruben Prey, player for St. John's

Trey Campbell, player for Northern Iowa

Ben Jacobson, head coach of Northern Iowa

WHAT:

St. John's defeated Northern Iowa 79-53 in the NCAA Tournament opener.

St. John's scored the first 13 points of the game.

St. John's made 10 three-pointers in the game.

Zuby Ejiofor recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.

St. John's scored 47 points in the first half, tying a program NCAA Tournament record.

St. John's has won 20 of its last 21 games.

WHERE:

Viejas Arena, San Diego, California

WHEN:

The game took place on March 20, 2026.

St. John's will play No. 4 Kansas on March 22, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. Eastern.

WHY:

St. John's aimed to overcome doubts about their NCAA Tournament seeding and location.

Rick Pitino emphasized the importance of the three-point line against Northern Iowa's defense.

HOW:

St. John's utilized a strong offensive strategy, hitting seven first-half three-pointers.

The team maintained a wire-to-wire lead throughout the game.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 15:00 UTC)

In an impressive NCAA Tournament opener, St. John's basketball team defeated Northern Iowa with a commanding score of 79 to 53, showcasing their strength by scoring the first 13 points of the game and tying a program record with 47 points in the first half. Zuby Ejiofor led the charge with a standout performance, recording 14 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, while the team hit a total of ten three-pointers, demonstrating their offensive prowess. Looking ahead, St. John's will face No. 4 Kansas on March 22 at 5:15 p.m. Eastern, as they continue to build on their remarkable run, winning 20 of their last 21 games.