St. John’s defeated Butler in their first test of the Big East Tournament.
The Red Storm dominated the conference this year going 18-2 with only two close losses against Villanova and Creighton.
Butler gave St. John’s a run for their money in their last matchup where the Red Storm prevailed 76-70 on Feb. 26.
The Post’s live updates have ended. Check back for our future live coverage of St. John’s throughout the Big East Tournament and March Madness.
That was light work. St. John's defeated Butler 78-57 to advance in the Big East Tournament. They overcame some foul trouble early on and scored big from the paint. They'll face either Marquette or Xavier on Friday in the semifinal. It looks like St. John's will be advancing in the Big East Tournament. The Red Storm are up by 21 with just under two minutes remaining at MSG.St. John's defeats Butler 78-57 to advance in Big East Tournament
By Rob Reese 
St. John's up by 21 with two minutes to play
By Rob Reese 
The Red Storm have struggled shooting under 30% from three-point range but is outscoring Butler by a wide margin in the paint, 38-14.
St. John's is shooting under 30% from 3pt range, but the Johnnies are outscoring Butler 38-14 in the paint.
— DJ Sixsmith (@DJ_Sixsmith) March 13, 2025
The top seed is up 62-47 on Butler with under 8 mins remaining in the 2nd half.
St. John's is padding their lead here now up 51-32 with Kadary Richmond on the verge of a triple double.
St. John's has the lead up to 16. Kadary Richmond flirting with another triple-double. Has 11 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds. #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) March 13, 2025
Butler's trimmed St. John's lead down to eight as their offense has woken up to star the second half.
Coach Pitino said they've gotten some 'really tough calls' in the first half as the Red Storm let their lead slip away.
St. John's is still getting it done but will need to stay out of trouble if their to close out Butler in the second half.
Coach isn't totally satisfied with St. John's lead. At a TV timeout, Pitino apparently told his squad that they can't take their foot off the gas and need contributions from everyone.
St. John's is in foul trouble but it hasn't stopped their offense. Coach Pitino's had no trouble going to the bench as the Red Storm now lead 33-21.
Pitino going deep into his bench in first half with Scott and Smith both in foul trouble. St. John's by 14. Already 11 second-chance points. #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) March 13, 2025
The Red Storm came to play. It's been business as usual for the johnnies who have taken a 27-13 lead over Butler with 6:25 left in the first half.
A touching tribute was played at MSG for legendary St. John's coach Lou Carnesecca, who passed away Nov. 30, 2024.
MSG honors the late great Lou Carnesecca pic.twitter.com/hjQg97ODKs
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 13, 2025
Maybe he's a little rusty? Deivon Smith came off the bench and picked up two fouls in 17 seconds.
Deivon Smith comes in and picks up two fouls in 17 seconds. St. John's off to a 15-3 lead. #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) March 13, 2025
Red Storm's taking the Big East by.. fire?
St. John's is off to a solid start here up 15-3 with 13 minutes left in the first half.
