In a commanding display of collegiate basketball, the No. 6 ranked UConn Huskies decisively defeated the No. 15 St. John's Red Storm with a final score of 72-40. This pivotal Big East conference encounter showcased UConn's prowess, marked by dominant runs in both halves that ultimately led to their largest margin of victory over St. John's in decades. The win further solidified UConn's lead in the conference, while St. John's faced a significant setback, halting their impressive winning streaks.
The contest, held in Hartford, Connecticut, on Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, saw UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. emerge as a standout performer. Reed Jr. notched an impressive double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, contributing significantly to UConn's offensive surges. His contributions included a crucial dunk during an 18-0 first-half run and a layup in a subsequent 16-0 second-half outburst, showcasing his versatility and impact on the game's momentum.
UConn's strong performance was a continuation of their remarkable season, bringing their record to 26-3 overall and 16-2 in the Big East. This victory advanced them a full game ahead of St. John's in the conference standings. The Huskies also extended their home winning streak in Hartford to 27 games, underlining their formidable presence on their home court. The 32-point differential in this game surpassed their previous record win against St. John's, which was a 29-point victory in February 1998.
Other key contributors for UConn included Alex Karaban, who added 14 points with timely three-pointers and dunks, and Solo Ball, who chipped in 11 points, including a three-pointer during the second-half rally. Braylon Mullins was also impactful, scoring all nine of his points from three successful three-point attempts during UConn's critical runs. Silas DeMary Jr. further bolstered the team with seven points, eight rebounds, and five assists, highlighting UConn's strong team play and ball distribution, which accounted for 20 assists overall.
Conversely, St. John's, with a season record of 22-6 overall and 15-2 in the Big East, experienced a challenging night. The loss ended their remarkable 13-game winning streak and an 11-game Big East road winning streak. The Red Storm's offensive struggles were particularly evident, as they managed only 40 points, their lowest score since 2013. Their shooting efficiency was historically poor, missing their final 24 shots and registering a mere 7.1% from the field in the second half, and an overall 19.6% for the game, marking their lowest field goal percentage since the 1938-1939 season.
Joson Sanon was the sole player for St. John's to reach double figures in scoring with 10 points. Bryce Hopkins struggled, making only 3 of 14 shots, while Zuby Ejiofor was limited to six points, with his last basket coming early in the second half. UConn established a commanding 31-11 lead in the first half and extended it to 41-26 by halftime, capitalizing on St. John's inability to convert shots. The Huskies continued their dominance into the second half, ultimately pulling their starters with a comfortable lead, sealing a decisive win that underscored their championship aspirations.
The commanding performance by UConn against St. John's underscored their top-tier status in college basketball, showcasing an efficient offense and a stifling defense. This victory not only enhanced their conference standing but also sent a strong message about their potential as the NCAA tournament approaches, contrasting sharply with St. John's unexpected and challenging defeat.