On a night with everything on the line — the biggest question looming in the air of Madison Square Garden was whether or not Rick Pitino would be wearing his iconic white suit.
Every season, Pitino rocks an all-white fit for the St. John’s whiteout game, this year’s suit being a literal game-time decision due to the beating they took on Feb. 25 in Hartford Connecticut against UConn.
That loss was in the rear-view mirror, the Johnnies entered their contest with Villanova looking for vengeance, which they did, defeating the Wildcats 89-57. Here’s five takeaways from a contest that puts the Johnnies right back on track.
Dylan Darling gets the start — What to think…
In what felt like a surprise entrance in the WWE Royal Rumble, Rick Pitino made the decision to start Dylan Darling — shaking up the guard room for the first time in months.
Prior to Ian Jackson’s injury, the North Carolina transfer had served as the starting point guard, with Darling coming off the bench. While banged up, Joson Sanon would see two games in the starting slot, where he showed more promise in his shot.
However, after the disastrous loss to UConn, Pitino knew it was time to lean on their only true playmaking guard in Darling. It was clear from the jump, Darling’s impact was to make plays happen, doing so on the first Johnnies bucket with a bullet delivered to forward Dillon Mitchell for the slam. Darling flashed his hand with his shooting ability, scoring five quick points thanks to a three-pointer and contested mid-range look.
The former Big Sky Player of the Year finished the contest with seven points, four assists, two steals and two rebounds.
“Darling is a pest,” said Villanova coach Kevin Willard. “Everyone probably looks at him like he’s not a good player, but he really sets the tone for them.”
Breaking through the gates SWINGING
After managing to score just 40 points, while failing to score a field goal in the final 17:43 of the contest against UConn — the only thing you could hope for is an instant attack on offense. That’s exactly what St. John’s provided, scoring half their total from their nightmare in Hartford, shooting 66% from the field to start.
The irony of it all, St. John’s had officially reached the 41-point landmark 17:43 into the contest, the exact slump they suffered in which they failed to make a field goal against the Huskies. Rick Pitino clearly sent a message to his team, one that involved the burning of any memory that came from their trip to Hartford.
The Red Storm went on a 12-0 run through a five minute stretch in the first half, ending the half leading the Wildcats 48-23. It wasn’t just a lethal offensive night, the Johnnies were dominating defensively, holding Villanova to a 7-for-27 start while also forcing eight turnovers. Ian Jackson dominated on both ends, scoring 11 points along with four rebounds and a season-high of three steals. The Johnnies also turned the turnovers into points — holding an astonishing 18-0 difference in points off TOs.
“You saw what great players do with a loss,” said Pitino. “They bring it and get a great win. It’s pure class.”
Captain Jack is BACK.
Ian Jackson was tasked with one of the hardest changes to make in the sport of basketball, moving from shooting guard to point guard. Rick Pitino gambled while recruiting in the transfer portal, making the decision to use Jackson, who never played the No. 1 role prior to his journey to Queens. Besides for Jackson, Darling was the only player with true-point guard experience.
Darling would take back the starting role after a consistent stretch of play off the bench, with Jackson serving as the first man off. However, it was the former Tar Heel who proved to be a true standout, especially in the shooting guard role.
What Jackson has done so well throughout his basketball career is primarily focusing on his scoring, which he was finally allowed to do against Villanova. Through the first half, Jackson led the way in points, and defensively — delivering 11 points and three steals. Jackson made the highlight of the day, a steal followed by a windmill dunk, one that will surely finish on the Sportscenter Top-10.
Jackson finished the evening with 19 points, leading the team in scoring, while totaling five steals, a career-high.
“Everytime he made a mistake tonight he stole the ball right back,” said Pitino. “He wants to score every time, but he’s becoming a better basketball player. He’s coming on no question. In fairness to Ian, he was never a PG. He was great tonight.”
TREMENDOUS guard play
Guard play has been a shaky subject for St. John’s this year, one that’s been a primary worry due to the fact that most successful teams in March heavily rely on dominant guard play. Tonight was different, for the first time this season, the guards truly showed they can make a winning impact on the game.
In the first half alone, the St. John’s backcourt was responsible for 33 of the first 48 points, led by the aforementioned Ian Jackson, along with strong playmaking from Dylan Darling and dangerous corner shooting from Oziyah Sellers.
The guard play also leaked into the defense — forcing several turnovers which then accounted for points. As a bunch, the backcourt were responsible for 45 of their 89 points, along with their seven combined steals and nine assists.
“To win in the NCAA tournament, you need a great backcourt,” said Pitino. “If we can keep improving, we will be tough.”
A Zuby Ejiofor clinic.
The Big East Player of the Year favorite was silenced by the Huskies big-man in Tarris Reed Jr during their bout, one that questioned if St. John’s could mainly rely on Ejiofor. However, against Villanova — Ejiofor proved he doesn’t go down without a fight.
The center put on a clinic, becoming the fourth-known St. John’s player to record a triple-double, finishing the contest with 16 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds, while also having three blocks.
“I get along with every player that works hard,” said Pitino. “When you put my jersey on, you’re here to learn and bring it every single day. That’s Zuby.”
