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Rick Pitino’s Immediate Reaction After St. John’s Loss to Villanova

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 7:02 AM ET

The St. John's men's basketball team has been a thrilling story in 2024-25. Entering Wednesday, St. John's had a 21-3 record and a No. 9 ranking in the latest AP poll.

Unfortunately, Rick Pitino's team lost to Villanova on the road in a tough 73-71 final. Villanova's Tyler Perkins hit the game-winning three-pointer with nine seconds remaining, and Simoen Wilcher's attempt was no good.

It was St. John's first loss since December 31 against Creighton, and it ended a 10-game winning streak.

After the game, Pitino spoke to reporters and gave his honest assessment of the loss, per SNY TV.

"Great game. Guys played their (expletive) off," Pitino said. "This is one of the best shooting teams in the country and we were unable to stop their outside shot"

Villanova entered the game 5th in three-point shooting (39.9) and 4th in free-throw percentage (80.9).

On Wednesday, Villanova lived up to those numbers with a 45.8% clip from three while shooting 76.9% from the free-throw line, just under the season average.

Rick Pitino on St. John's loss to Villanova:

"Great game. Guys played their asses off. This is one of the best shooting teams in the country and we were unable to stop their outside shot"

(via @StJohnsRedStorm) pic.twitter.com/XoCemTZDOn
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 13, 2025

However, Villanova won for just the 15th time this year, although it was the third straight win for the Wildcats.

Miami (FL) transfer Wooga Poplar led the way for Villanova with 22 points, six rebounds and four steals while Eric Dixon added 17 points.

Once again, it was another close call for St. John's. In the Red Storm's four losses this season, each of them has been by single digits, and they have been by a combined seven points, including two losses by one point.

St. John's doesn't have time to sit around and reflect too much, and the Red Storm next faceoff against No. 24 Creighton on Sunday at home.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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