“We got a lucky draw, an easy game” - Rick Pitino in a joking mood ahead of Big East semifinal game vs. UConn

On Thursday afternoon, Rick Pitino's Red Storm battled against Seton Hall in the Big East Quarterfinals. St. John's emerged victorious 91-72, earning a clash with the defending champions, the UConn Huskies on Friday.

Ahead of their meeting with the top seed, which has won 19 of its last 20 games, Pitino joked with the media:

“We got a lucky draw, an easy game.”

UConn advanced to the semifinals by beating Xavier 87-60.

UConn defeated St. John’s in their last two meetings, winning 69-65 on Dec. 23, 2023, and 77-64 on Feb. 3.

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The revival of St. John's under Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino is the most decorated coach of the St. John's program since Lou Carnesecca, who stepped down in 1992.

In his first year with the Storm, he ended their 24-year wait for a spot in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament and has put them in a position to make the NCAA Tournament for only the sixth time since 2000.

Pitino previously won three Big East titles with Lousiville.