Overview
- No. 22 St. John’s (6-3) hosts DePaul (8-3) to open the Big East, the team’s lone league home game at Carnesecca before most home dates shift to Madison Square Garden.
- Rick Pitino said St. John’s is not at UConn’s level yet and expects a tougher conference, stressing that improved defense will drive the title defense.
- After falling from No. 5 in the preseason AP poll and going 0-3 versus ranked teams, the Red Storm have tightened up by holding Ole Miss and Iona under 65 points, with Zuby Ejiofor totaling 19 rebounds, 8 blocks and 3 steals across those wins.
- Transfer Bryce Hopkins is averaging 14.9 points in 23.9 minutes on 52.4% shooting, and his role could expand as league play begins.
- DePaul has yet to face a ranked opponent and lost big to LSU; St. John’s has won seven straight in the series, and KenPom gives the Red Storm a 94% chance on Tuesday.