By Sports Correspondent
March 21, 2025
QUEENS, NY — St. John’s Red Storm delivered a commanding performance against the Omaha Mavericks, securing an 82-65 victory at Carnesecca Arena. Led by standout guard RJ Luis Jr., the Red Storm controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing their offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity.
First Half: St. John’s Sets the Tempo
St. John’s (now 18-10 on the season) wasted no time establishing dominance. They opened the game with a 12-2 run, fueled by Luis Jr.’s sharp shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. The Red Storm’s defense forced early turnovers, limiting Omaha (14-13) to just 38% shooting in the first half.
By halftime, St. John’s held a 44-30 lead, with Luis Jr. contributing 14 points. Forward Joel Soriano was a force in the paint, grabbing eight rebounds and adding 10 points. Omaha struggled to find a rhythm offensively, with leading scorer Frankie Fidler limited to six points in the first 20 minutes.
Omaha’s Attempted Comeback Falls Short
The Mavericks made adjustments at halftime and briefly cut the deficit to seven points early in the second half. Senior guard JJ White led Omaha’s charge, hitting two three-pointers and adding a pair of free throws to bring the score to 51-44 with 12 minutes left.
However, St. John’s quickly responded. A three-pointer from Luis Jr. ignited a 10-0 run, effectively halting Omaha’s momentum. The Red Storm’s ball movement and transition play proved too much for the Mavericks, who struggled to contain St. John’s speed and athleticism.
Luis Jr. finished with a game-high 23 points, while Soriano added 16 points and 12 rebounds. Daniss Jenkins contributed 10 points and six assists, ensuring the Red Storm maintained control throughout the second half.
Key Player Performances
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Luis Jr. | St. John’s | 23 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Joel Soriano | St. John’s | 16 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
| Daniss Jenkins | St. John’s | 10 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| JJ White | Omaha | 14 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Frankie Fidler | Omaha | 12 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
Post-Game Reactions
St. John’s Head Coach Rick Pitino: “I loved our energy tonight. We defended well, shared the ball, and kept our foot on the gas when Omaha made their run. This is the kind of effort we need as we approach the final stretch of the season.”
RJ Luis Jr. on his performance: “My teammates put me in great positions to score. We played fast, we played together, and we made the right plays when it mattered.”
Omaha’s Head Coach Chris Crutchfield: “St. John’s played at a different level tonight. We had moments where we fought back, but they responded each time. We have to learn from this and be better next time.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, St. John’s strengthens its case for an NCAA Tournament bid, as they prepare for their upcoming Big East matchup against Seton Hall on March 25. Meanwhile, Omaha looks to bounce back in a crucial Summit League game against South Dakota State next week.
