St. John’s Faces Tough Opponents at Las Vegas Championship
St. John’s University is gearing up for a significant challenge as it heads to Las Vegas for the Players Era Championship. Under the leadership of head coach Rick Pitino, the Red Storm will face two formidable opponents, beginning with No. 16 Iowa State on December 4, 2023, followed by an encounter with undefeated Baylor on December 5, 2023, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. If they advance, they could meet another ranked team, potentially No. 2 Houston, No. 7 Michigan, or No. 11 Alabama.
After a decisive victory against Bucknell, where they won 97-49, Pitino acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Iowa State and Houston are as difficult to play against as any teams in basketball,” he stated. The Red Storm, currently ranked No. 14, started the season with a 3-1 record, featuring strong wins over Quinnipiac, William & Mary, and Bucknell. Their only loss came against Alabama in a high-scoring match at Madison Square Garden, which ended 103-96.
The upcoming tournament is crucial for St. John’s, especially as they aim to refine their performance ahead of a demanding non-conference schedule. “We’re a deep team with a great attitude,” Pitino remarked, highlighting the importance of adapting to tough competition. The Players Era Championship features 18 teams, and only the top four will advance after the initial rounds, determined by point differential, points scored, and points allowed.
St. John’s will first encounter Iowa State, which boasts the fifth-best defensive efficiency in the nation, according to KenPom. The Cyclones are led by guard Tamin Lipsey, who is averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. Alongside him, forwards Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic have also returned from last season, contributing significantly to the team’s 4-0 start.
Baylor, another tough competitor, currently holds a 3-0 record, with sophomore guard Cameron Carr impressively averaging 23.7 points per game, ranking third in the Big 12. Both teams are yet to face a ranked opponent this season, which adds an element of unpredictability to their upcoming matchups.
St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell, who previously played in the Big 12, expressed confidence in facing Iowa State and Baylor, emphasizing their physicality and size. “I know what it’s like to play Iowa State and Baylor. They’re physical and big,” he noted, indicating the experience he brings to the team.
Last season, St. John’s recorded an impressive 31-5 record, but this year’s non-conference schedule is more challenging. Following the tournament in Las Vegas, they are set to face Ole Miss on December 6, 2023, under the guidance of head coach Chris Beard, and will take on No. 12 Kentucky at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on December 20, 2023.
As Pitino reflects on the team’s journey, he remains optimistic about their growth. “We have four new starters, so it takes time,” he said. The upcoming matches in Las Vegas will not only test their skills but also provide valuable insights into areas needing improvement as the season progresses.
