St. John’s defeated Kansas State 88-71 in a dominant performance at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York. The Red Storm used a strong second half, outscoring the Wildcats 53-32, to secure the win as part of the Big 12-Big East Battle.
Zuby Ejiofor led St. John’s with a standout game, posting 28 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 11-of-17 from the field. Guard Kadary Richmond contributed across the board with 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. The Red Storm capitalized on a series of scoring runs in the second half, including a decisive 17-5 burst that pushed their lead to 15 points with just over eight minutes remaining.
Kansas State’s Brendan Hausen was the bright spot for the Wildcats, scoring 27 points, including six three-pointers. Forward Coleman Hawkins added 11 points and nine rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting 4-of-12. The Wildcats were unable to contain St. John’s defensive pressure, turning the ball over at key moments and allowing the Red Storm to dominate the boards.
Head coach Rick Pitino praised his team’s resilience after a sluggish first half, highlighting Ejiofor’s energy and the team’s defensive adjustments. The victory moves St. John’s to 7-2 on the season, while Kansas State drops to 6-3.
