UConn Crushes St. John's in Defensive Masterclass

Huskies prove they are national title contenders with dominant win

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:40am

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The UConn Huskies basketball team delivered a statement performance, dismantling St. John's 72-40 in a defensive masterclass. After a loss to Creighton, UConn bounced back with a 10-point win over Villanova followed by the blowout victory over the Red Storm, reaffirming their status as one of the best teams in the country. Center Tarris Reed led the way with a monster game, scoring 20 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and blocking 6 shots.

Why it matters

UConn’s dominant win over St. John’s, a team expected to contend for the Big East title, shows the Huskies’ potential as a national championship contender. The defensive performance, holding St. John’s to just 40 points, was particularly impressive and indicates UConn has the ability to shut down even the best offenses in college basketball.

The details

UConn held St. John’s to just 2 made field goals in the second half, as the Red Storm missed their final 24 shot attempts. Tarris Reed was unstoppable, scoring 14 of his 20 points in the first half and adding 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocked shots. The Huskies’ defense was the story, as they held St. John’s star Zuby Ejiofor, the likely Big East Player of the Year, in check.

  • UConn lost to Creighton at home in their previous game.
  • Three weeks ago, St. John’s defeated UConn at Madison Square Garden.
  • This game was played on Wednesday night in Hartford.

The players

Tarris Reed

UConn’s dominant center who scored 20 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 6 shots in the win over St. John’s.

Zuby Ejiofor

The likely Big East Player of the Year, who was held in check by UConn’s defense.

Dan Hurley

UConn’s head coach, who praised Reed’s performance as one of the best by a center in his tenure.

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What they’re saying

“For me, the game was just about Tarris Reed. His last two games, if that's what he's decided to give us...today's performance was a good as a center has played for us in a game.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn

“It was just our night.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn

What’s next

UConn will look to build on this dominant performance as they continue their push towards a potential national championship. Their next game is against Villanova, another Big East contender, which will be another test of their credentials.

The takeaway

UConn’s blowout win over St. John’s, a team expected to compete for the Big East title, demonstrates the Huskies’ potential as a national championship contender. Their stifling defense, led by the dominant performance of center Tarris Reed, suggests UConn has the ability to shut down even the best offenses in college basketball.