{"id":24840,"date":"2025-12-13T13:05:45","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T17:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/st-johns-basketball-faces-emotional-rick-pitino-moment-against-his-former-iona-team-at-madison-square-garden\/"},"modified":"2025-12-13T13:06:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T17:06:02","slug":"60106-st-john-s-aims-for-5th-straight-home-win-vs-iona-at-madison-square-garden-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/60106-st-john-s-aims-for-5th-straight-home-win-vs-iona-at-madison-square-garden-today\/","title":{"rendered":"St. John’s basketball faces emotional Rick Pitino moment against his former Iona team at Madison Square Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

St. John’s basketball looks to extend its dominant home performance Saturday when the No. 22 Red Storm<\/b> host Iona<\/b> at Madison Square Garden<\/b>. The matchup features a unique storyline as Rick Pitino<\/b>, St. John’s head coach, faces his former program where he led the Gaels to back-to-back tournaments before departing in March 2023.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • St. John’s<\/b> sits at 5-3<\/b> overall with an impressive 4-1 home record<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Iona enters<\/b> the contest with an 8-3 record<\/b> as members of the MAAC<\/li>\n
  • Spread<\/b> shows St. John’s as heavy favorites at -27.5 points<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Pitino coached Iona<\/b> from 2020-2022, earning two NCAA tournament appearances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Red Storm Hunting Fifth Consecutive Home Win<\/h2>\n

    St. John’s has dominated opponents inside Madison Square Garden<\/b> this season. The Red Storm have won four straight games at home and stand 4-1<\/b> in home contests. Saturday’s matchup against a quality Iona squad presents an opportunity to extend that streak and build momentum heading into Big East Conference<\/b> play. The Red Storm’s recent home victories have showcased their ability to control games from start to finish against tournament-level competition.<\/p>\n

    Ian Jackson<\/b> has taken over at point guard after several roster adjustments earlier this season. St. John’s ranks eighth in the Big East at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 74.1 points<\/b> per game. This defensive presence will be tested by an Iona squad that has surprised many with its 8-3<\/b> record early in the season.<\/p>\n

    Iona’s Talented Roster Seeks Major Win Against Ranked Opponent<\/h2>\n

    The Gaels have positioned themselves as a dangerous mid-major team with wins against legitimate competition. Iona<\/b> boasts Chase Cormier<\/b>, Denver Anglin<\/b>, and Khalil Badru<\/b> leading their efforts on the court. Under head coach Dan Geriot<\/b>, Iona’s program has maintained competitive standards within the MAAC conference and consistently earned tournament bids. The 8-3 record<\/b> reflects strong fundamentals and team depth that cannot be overlooked despite the significant point spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/td>\nRecord<\/td>\nHome Record<\/td>\nKey Status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    St. John’s<\/b><\/td>\n5-3<\/b><\/td>\n4-1<\/b><\/td>\nRanked No. 22<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Iona<\/b><\/td>\n8-3<\/b><\/td>\nTBA<\/b><\/td>\nMAAC Member<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Rick Pitino’s Homecoming Carries Significance<\/h2>\n

    Perhaps the most compelling narrative centers on Pitino<\/b>‘s return to face his former team. The legendary coach spent two seasons<\/b> at Iona, leading the Gaels to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances<\/b> in 2022. His departure to St. John’s in March 2023 marked a significant moment for both programs. According to those close to the coaching legend, Pitino still maintains tremendous affection for Iona<\/b> and the work accomplished during his tenure as head coach.<\/p>\n

    \n“I have deep affection for Iona and what we built there, but now I’m completely focused on St. John’s and winning in the Big East.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 Rick Pitino<\/b>, St. John’s Head Coach<\/p>\n

    What’s At Stake for Both Squads This Saturday?<\/h2>\n

    For St. John’s, extending the home winning streak maintains roster confidence and demonstrates the program’s ability to handle ranked opponents before conference play begins. The Red Storm must execute their defensive identity which ranks among conference leaders in points allowed. Iona has nothing to lose as a significant underdog but everything to gain if they can pull off one of the season’s biggest upsets.<\/p>\n

    The -27.5 spread<\/b> reflects St. John’s dominance at home and their national ranking status. Iona’s 8-3 record<\/b> suggests they’ll bring competitive spirit regardless of the Vegas projection. Saturday’s noon tip-off at Madison Square Garden<\/b> provides St. John’s a perfect stage to showcase its championship-caliber roster before heading into the demanding Big East conference schedule.<\/p>\n

    Will the Red Storm maintain home court dominance, or can Iona create one of December’s biggest upsets?<\/h2>\n

    Saturday at Madison Square Garden<\/b> will answer whether St. John’s can remain perfect at home while facing a competitive mid-major program. The Red Storm’s four-game home winning streak<\/b> stays prominent in the discussion. All eyes will focus on whether Pitino’s squad can achieve their fifth consecutive home victory and send an early message about their national tournament aspirations. Tip-off arrives at 12:00 PM EST<\/b> with coverage on TNT and TruTV<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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    Watch the Game Preview:<\/h3>\n