In an electrifying matchup on March 8th, St. John’s University pulled off a stunning 86-84 overtime victory against Marquette University, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Zuby Ejifor. This thrilling game took place at Fiserv Forum during Marquette’s Senior Day, but unfortunately for the Golden Eagles, it ended with a heartbreaking loss.
What Happened in the Final Moments
The game was a nail-biter, filled with excitement and tension as both teams fought hard. With just 26 seconds left in the overtime period, Marquette’s Kam Jones made a layup that tied the game at 84-84, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, it was St. John’s Simeon Wilcher who made a crucial play, stealing the ball from Chase Ross and setting the scene for Ejifor’s heroics. With time running out, Ejifor’s shot from inside the key sank into the net as the buzzer went off, sealing the game for St. John’s.
The Star Performers
St. John’s had several standout players in this match. R.J. Luis led the Red Storm with an impressive 28 points, while Ejifor ended up with 17 points and 12 rebounds, making him a vital asset on both offense and defense. Additionally, Kadary Richmond achieved a remarkable triple-double, contributing 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists to help secure the victory. On the other side, Kam Jones put up a valiant effort for Marquette, scoring 32 points—nearly helping his team achieve a win.
What This Victory Means
This win marks a significant achievement for St. John’s, finishing the regular season with a strong 27-5 record, while Marquette ended with a 22-9 record. St. John’s is set to enter the Big East tournament as the number one seed for the first time in 40 years, an impressive feat that will surely boost team morale as they prepare for the tournament. Both teams showcased incredible talent, and this game highlighted the competitive spirit of college basketball.
The Road Ahead: Looking to the Big East Tournament
As St. John’s gears up for their tournament run, they aim to build on this momentum in the upcoming Big East Tournament. Their next game is set for March 13th at Madison Square Garden, where they have a first-round bye. Fans are eager to see if they can extend their winning streak and continue to make history.
Final Thoughts
This thrilling game exemplified the excitement and unpredictability of college basketball. Zuby Ejifor’s buzzer-beater will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season. Although Marquette faced disappointment on their Senior Day, their strong performance, led by Kam Jones, shows they’re a team to watch in the future. As March Madness approaches, all eyes will be on the Red Storm and their quest for the title.
