St. John’s basketball dominates DePaul in Big East opener, here’s the stunning halftime score that set the tone

St. John’s dominated DePaul last night, delivering a crushing 89-61 victory in their Big East opener at Carnesecca Arena. The No. 22 Red Storm controlled the game from start to finish, leading wire-to-wire and establishing themselves as serious contenders in conference play.

St. John’s Controls Game From Start to Finish

The Red Storm set the tone early, establishing a dominant pace that DePaul could never match. St. John’s basketball showcased impressive ball movement and defensive intensity, holding the Blue Demons to just 29 points in the first half while scoring 40 themselves. The 11-point halftime advantage proved to be just the beginning of what became a complete blowout.

Head coach Rick Pitino’s squad demonstrated why they’re ranked among the nation’s best, combining sharp three-point shooting with suffocating defense. The Red Storm put on an offensive clinic in the second half, scoring 49 points while holding DePaul to just 32 to seal an emphatic statement victory.

Luis Leads Balanced St. John’s Scoring Attack

RJ Luis Jr. provided the most memorable scoring display off the bench, finishing with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting. The bench scorer showed he could play at the highest level, with several crucial buckets in the second half that pushed the lead beyond reach for DePaul. Simeon Wilcher contributed 16 points and displayed excellent court vision throughout the contest.

Kadary Richmond led the way with 18 points while also grabbing 7 rebounds, proving to be a dual-threat presence in the middle. Zuby Ejiofor, a 2025 Big East preseason pick, added 12 points and 7 rebounds to provide interior depth. The Red Storm bench outscored DePaul’s entire roster in meaningful stretches.

DePaul Struggles Offensively in Historic Conference Opener

DePaul came in with an 8-3 record heading into Big East play, but quickly found themselves outmatched. The Blue Demons started slowly and never recovered, shooting just 39.2% from the field while committing 20 turnovers. Layden Blocker led DePaul with 17 points, but support didn’t materialize for the visiting team.

The Blue Demons fell behind early and faced an uphill climb from the opening tip. St. John’s defense held DePaul’s offense to just 29 points in the first half, setting the tone for what would become a lopsided affair. The loss marks another challenging moment for the Blue Demons as they begin their conference schedule.

Red Storm Defense Sets the Tone on Opening Night

The St. John’s defense was relentless, forcing DePaul into difficult shots and transition situations. The Red Storm collected 41 rebounds compared to DePaul’s 29, controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. St. John’s also recorded 14 steals while maintaining discipline to avoid foul trouble in the second half.

This defensive dominance allowed St. John’s basketball to establish fast-break opportunities, scoring 18 fast-break points against just 2 for DePaul. The Red Storm also converted 27 points off turnovers, turning defensive stops into easy scoring chances. This type of disciplined, energetic defense will be crucial as they progress deeper into Big East competition.

What Does This Dominant Performance Signal for St. John’s Season?

The win showcases St. John’s ability to execute at an elite level when all pieces click. With Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins anchoring the frontcourt, and guards like Kadary Richmond and Simeon Wilcher orchestrating the offense, the Red Storm possess the tools for a deep Big East tournament run. The balanced scoring attack—with contributions from the bench—suggests depth that rivals should fear.

St. John’s basketball is defending its Big East championship from the previous season, and performances like this indicate they have the talent and coaching to potentially repeat. The Red Storm improved to 9-2 overall and 1-0 in Big East play, setting a strong foundation as conference play intensifies. The question now becomes whether St. John’s can maintain this level of execution against tougher Big East opponents.

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.