Wagner Basketball’s Stunning Upset: How They Nearly Toppled #22 St. John’s!

In a thrilling display of determination and competitive spirit, the Wagner College basketball team pushed #22 St. John’s to the brink during an electrifying matchup at Carnesecca Arena on January 24, 2025. The game became an unexpected nail-biter that showcased the unpredictable nature of college basketball, with Wagner proving they were far from an easy opponent.

Early Momentum and Initial Promise

The Seahawks started the game with unexpected confidence, quickly taking a 2-0 lead through free throws by Keyontae Lewis. The early points sent a clear message: Wagner had no intention of being a pushover against the ranked opponent. Fans in the packed arena of 4,751 spectators could sense something special might be brewing.

A Battle of Resilience

Despite trailing 31-22 at halftime, Wagner demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Their ability to stay competitive against a top-ranked team spoke volumes about their potential and fighting spirit. Javier Ezquerra emerged as a key player, hitting a crucial three-pointer that brought the score to a tantalizing 39-37, momentarily breathing life into Wagner’s upset hopes.

Defensive Challenges and Offensive Struggles

The game highlighted Wagner’s shooting difficulties, with the team struggling to find offensive rhythm. Their shooting percentages told a challenging story:
1. Field goal percentage: 29%
2. Three-point shooting: 21%
3. Limited scoring opportunities against St. John’s tough defense

St. John’s defensive strategy effectively contested nearly every shot, making Wagner’s scoring efforts increasingly difficult throughout the game.

The Turning Point

St. John’s ultimately pulled away with an impressive 18-0 run, showcasing their depth and experience. Deivon Smith played a pivotal role, hitting crucial three-pointers that sparked the team’s late-game surge. Coach Rick Pitino’s strategic leadership became evident as his team maintained composure under pressure.

“Our team showed tremendous poise when it mattered most,” Pitino remarked after the game, praising his players’ ability to perform in critical moments.

Historical Context and Significance

The victory was particularly meaningful for St. John’s, marking their first win as a Top 25 team in nearly a decade. The 66-45 final score might suggest a comfortable win, but the game was far more competitive than the numbers indicated.

Learning and Looking Forward

For Wagner, the game served as a valuable learning experience. Despite the loss, they demonstrated potential and competitiveness that shouldn’t be overlooked. The Northeast Conference team proved they could challenge a ranked opponent, offering a glimpse of their growing capabilities.

Broader Implications

The matchup underscored the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where underdogs can challenge expectations and higher-ranked teams must remain vigilant. St. John’s upcoming schedule, which includes challenging matchups against New Mexico and other ranked teams, will further test their mettle.

Conclusion

While the final score favored St. John’s, Wagner’s performance was anything but a simple defeat. They pushed a ranked team to its limits, showing heart, determination, and potential that bodes well for their future in college basketball.

Final Score: St. John’s 66, Wagner 45

Note: This article is based on the reported events of the game between Wagner and St. John’s on January 24, 2025.