No. 17 St. John's Survives Providence Push to Win 11th Straight

Red Storm score 8 straight points after fracas that results in 6 ejections to take lead and defeat Friars 79-69

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Dylan Darling had 23 points and 8 rebounds as No. 17 St. John's scored 8 straight points after a fracas that resulted in 6 ejections to take the lead and earn its 11th straight victory, a 79-69 win over Providence on Saturday. Bryce Hopkins, a former Friars star, was in the middle of the incident that led to the ejections.

Why it matters

This win extends St. John's impressive winning streak and keeps them in contention for a high seed in the upcoming Big East tournament. The fracas and ejections also highlight the intensity of the rivalry between the two teams and the high stakes of the game.

The details

With Providence leading 40-39 and 14:25 left, Bryce Hopkins was taken down by a hard foul, sparking a fracas that resulted in 4 St. John's and 2 Providence players being ejected. After the incident was sorted out, St. John's went on an 8-0 run to take the lead, which they would not relinquish. Darling led the Red Storm with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Hopkins had 9 points and 9 rebounds against his former team.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The fracas and ejections occurred with 14:25 remaining in the second half.

The players

Dylan Darling

The leading scorer for No. 17 St. John's, finishing with 23 points and 8 rebounds.

Bryce Hopkins

A former Providence star who is now playing for St. John's in his final year. He was at the center of the fracas that led to 6 ejections.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of St. John's, who previously led Providence to the 1987 Final Four.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain our composure in those situations and not let emotions get the best of us.”

— Rick Pitino, Head Coach, St. John's

What’s next

St. John's will visit Marquette on Wednesday night, while Providence will travel to DePaul on February 21.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the intensity of the St. John's-Providence rivalry, with the fracas and ejections adding to the drama. However, St. John's was able to maintain its composure and extend its impressive winning streak, keeping them in contention for a high seed in the Big East tournament.