Entering a game against his son, Richard Pitino, a lot more was on the line than just a Big East victory. Rick Pitino was just one win away from achieving 900 career victories, earning his 899th on Jan. 20 against Seton Hall.
“I think Richard will try his best to stop it,” Pitino said on earning his 900th victory against his son. “When I was told I could potentially earn my 900th win against my son, I said, what were the chances of that? Richard, like all my children, is the all-time ballbuster. He wouldn’t ever let me live it down.”
Xavier did just that, worrying St. John’s with its strong offensive ability. However, that didn’t faze the Johnnies, who came back from a 16-point deficit to win, 88-83. Here are five takeaways from a second straight come-from-behind victory.
Ian Jackson offensive BREAKOUT
Ian Jackson was unstoppable to start the afternoon in Cincinnati — literally. Through the first 11 minutes of play, Jackson served as the team’s entire offensive approach, scoring 16 of St. John’s 31 points through his 13 minutes of play, going 6-for-7 from the field while also shooting 3-for-4 from beyond the arc.
The North Carolina transfer has shown minimal flashes of elite offensive production but came out firing on all cylinders, providing the only bright spot on offense.
Pitino followed a similar blueprint to other contests — leaning more on the defensive punch from Dylan Darling, who outplayed Jackson in the second half for the second straight contest.
However, seeing Jackson with the ability to score without forcing plays as a point guard shows promise for what his development could look like by the end of the season.
Xavier came to PLAY
It was obvious Richard Pitino, the son of Rick Pitino, didn’t want to fall victim to his father’s 900th career win. That’s why the Musketeers came to play.
St. John’s was ignited early by Jackson, who was nearly unstoppable — going perfect from the field (5-for-5) and scoring 13 points before Xavier was forced to use a timeout. Following the break, the Musketeers carried over a 27-9 run, led by consistent scoring and the ability to force tough shots from the Red Storm. Just two minutes later, Xavier again picked up momentum, going on an 11-2 run from the five-minute mark to the three-minute mark.
As a team, Xavier went 18-for-36 from the field, along with a 7-for-14 start from beyond the arc. Senior guard Malik Messina-Moore tallied 15 points while shooting 5-for-8, with Tre Carroll scoring 13 first-half points. The Musketeers held a 49-37 lead over St. John’s entering halftime, with a potential upset looming.
Even with St. John’s rallying back in front after a strong offensive second half, Carroll added 18 more points, finishing the afternoon with 31.
The son-vs.-father contest remained close until the final buzzer, with the Musketeers regaining the lead after Zuby Ejiofor fouled out with a minute remaining. The Johnnies held on for the victory, adding yet another memorable chapter to the coaches’ shared history.
Second-half offensive EXPLOSION
Pitino said it best against Seton Hall — it’s win or go home. The victory over the Pirates on Jan. 20 provided St. John’s with not only a test, but an early lesson in what March basketball demands, even when you don’t have it, you have to dig deep and find a way to win.
The Red Storm trailed Xavier by as many as 16 with 19 minutes remaining in the second half, prompting the elder Pitino to call a timeout. Following the stoppage, St. John’s slowly went to work, going on an 18-3 run, then adding another run just three minutes later (16-5), propelling themselves back in front for the first time since early in the first half.
It mirrored what Xavier had done in the first half, with St. John’s heavily relying on points in the paint and a pair of three-pointers from Dylan Darling.
St. John’s finished the second half with 51 points compared to 34 from Xavier, with Bryce Hopkins leading the way with 14.
Forcing fouls CHANGED the contest
St. John’s is known for its elite ability to force fouls and trips to the charity stripe. At any point in a contest, the Red Storm can physically impose themselves in the paint, leading to fouls, particularly through Zuby Ejiofor. Ejiofor is attempting eight free throws per game, the 18th most in the country.
As a team, the Red Storm average 27 free-throw attempts per game (ninth nationally) and make 20 (eighth nationally). The Johnnies followed their usual method to success —when in doubt, force the foul. In the second half alone, St. John’s attempted 15 free throws, making 11, forcing several key Xavier players into foul trouble.
In games where the Red Storm force fouls, it gives them a better opportunity to climb back into contests — especially when limiting key players due to foul trouble. That skill will be essential come March.
Dylan Darling is a closeout DEMON
It’s been apparent all season — Dylan Darling provides St. John’s with his best minutes when coming off the bench. Ian Jackson and Darling are two completely different players. Jackson, a true shooting guard turned point guard, has struggled to gel into the lead role but has proven to be a more effective scorer. Pitino has relied on Darling in close-game situations due to his ability to create plays and play effective defense, which was on display against Xavier.
The Red Storm were in desperate need of someone to step up on both ends after trailing by 16 with 19 minutes to play. Jackson had logged 11 minutes before Pitino turned to Darling, who played 12 consecutive minutes.
During that stretch, Darling provided a spark few could — sinking two corner three-pointers and attacking the basket on multiple occasions. With under a minute left, Xavier retook the lead after Ejiofor fouled out, leading to two successful free throws. Darling handled the ball beyond the three-point line, stepped back and delivered a massive three-pointer that put St. John’s permanently in front.
“He’s got balls big as church bells,” Pitino said of his point guard.
Darling finished with 11 points, all in the second half — mirroring his production from the Jan. 20 win over Seton Hall, where he served as the primary guard and provided strong defense. The Red Storm have a piece they didn’t have last season, a player who can come off the bench when a starter doesn’t have it and provide consistent, winning minutes.
