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St. John's Defeats UConn in Throwback Big East Battle
The game featured the intensity and physicality of a classic Big East matchup from the 1980s.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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In a highly anticipated matchup, St. John's defeated UConn 81-72 in a game that evoked the intensity and physicality of classic Big East battles from the 1980s. The two teams exchanged physical play and hard-fought possessions throughout the 40 minutes, treating fans to a blast from the past and a signature win for St. John's in what is shaping up to be a standout season.
Why it matters
The game served as a reminder of the storied history and fierce rivalries that defined the Big East conference in its heyday. The physical, high-intensity style of play on display harked back to an era when the Big East was considered the premier college basketball league in the country, known for its passionate fan bases and heated matchups between historic programs.
The details
St. John's and UConn traded blows throughout the game, with neither team willing to back down. The game featured a relentless pace, hard-nosed defense, and numerous physical confrontations, reminiscent of the Big East battles of old. St. John's ultimately prevailed 81-72 in a victory that could serve as a springboard for their season.
- The game was played on February 7, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.
The players
St. John's
A historic Big East program looking to return to prominence with a signature win over a conference rival.
UConn
A perennial Big East power known for its physical, defensive-minded style of play.
What they’re saying
“For a night, at least, that was proven wrong. For a night, all across 40 splendid minutes at Madison Square Garden, St. John's and Connecticut came after each other time after time, possession after possession, haymaker after haymaker.”
— Mike Vaccaro, Columnist (nypost.com)
The takeaway
This game served as a nostalgic reminder of the glory days of the Big East conference, when physical, hard-nosed basketball was the norm and rivalries between historic programs fueled some of the most intense and memorable matchups in college sports.
