In a pivotal matchup for Big East supremacy, the No. 17 St. John's Red Storm are poised to defend their remarkable winning streak against a resurgent Creighton Bluejays squad. With the conference tournament's top seed within reach, St. John's seeks to continue their dominant run, fresh off a hard-fought victory and propelled by a recent upset delivered by their upcoming opponent.
Red Storm Prepared to Face Bluejays in Crucial Big East Showdown
On Saturday afternoon, February 19, 2026, the No. 17 St. John's Red Storm will host the Creighton Bluejays at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. This highly anticipated game marks a rematch of last year's Big East tournament final and holds significant implications for the conference standings. The Red Storm, boasting an impressive 21-5 overall record and a 14-1 mark in Big East play, currently sit atop the conference. Their position was bolstered by Creighton's recent 91-84 upset victory over No. 5 UConn, which St. John's will face next Wednesday in Hartford, Connecticut.
St. John's enters this contest on the heels of a 12-game winning streak, their longest since the 2018-19 season and the second-longest in program history during conference play. Their most recent triumph, a 76-70 win against Marquette on Wednesday night, showcased their resilience as they overcame a six-point second-half deficit. Forward Bryce Hopkins was instrumental in that victory, tallying 23 points and 10 rebounds. Coach Rick Pitino commended his team's composure, noting, "Don't panic, we've been here before. We're going to have our run."
Meanwhile, Creighton (14-13, 8-8 Big East) arrives in New York looking to build on their upset win over UConn, their first victory against a ranked opponent this season. The Bluejays' offense exploded for over 90 points for the sixth time this season, with Josh Dix leading the charge with a season-high 21 points, 13 of which came in the second half. Dix, who has been consistently reaching double figures in scoring despite a recent personal tragedy, has been a key contributor. Fellow Bluejays Nik Graves and Fedor Zugic also delivered season-best performances, scoring 18 and 14 points respectively. Coach Greg McDermott expressed immense pride in his team's character, stating, "We have been through a lot as a group. We've shed a lot of tears and they needed something like this."
This encounter promises to be a battle of wills, with St. John's aiming to extend their dominant run and Creighton seeking to establish a new winning momentum. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden is sure to be electric as these two formidable teams clash for conference bragging rights.
This upcoming basketball game between St. John's and Creighton highlights the unpredictable and thrilling nature of collegiate sports. It serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and teamwork can lead to remarkable achievements, both on and off the court. The narratives of players like Josh Dix, overcoming personal adversity while performing at a high level, underscore the human element and inspiring resilience often found in athletic competition. For St. John's, maintaining their focus and not underestimating any opponent, as articulated by Bryce Hopkins, is crucial for sustained success. For Creighton, their recent upset victory demonstrates the importance of belief and collective effort in turning the tide against stronger adversaries. Ultimately, these contests are more than just games; they are showcases of dedication, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of athletes striving for excellence.