Key Takeaways

• St. John’s upset Baylor 96-81 in the second round of the NCAA Players Era Championship.
• Balanced offense, tough defense and hot three-point shooting fueled the win.
• Key players combined for 50 points and 15 rebounds.
• St. John’s now advances to the Sweet 16 with confidence.

St. John’s Upset Baylor Delivers Big Surprise

Last night in Las Vegas, St. John’s upset Baylor 96-81 in a thrilling second-round NCAA Players Era Championship game. The underdogs stunned fans and experts. They displayed strong teamwork and never let Baylor take control. As a result, the Red Storm now moves on to the Sweet 16.

Why St. John’s Upset Baylor Turned Heads

First, St. John’s upset Baylor by shooting lights out from beyond the arc. They hit 12 three-pointers, while Baylor managed just five. Furthermore, their defense forced 14 turnovers, turning them into easy baskets. Meanwhile, their bench scored 28 points, showing depth and balance. Consequently, the Baylor defense could not focus on any single threat.

Game Breakdown

In the first half, St. John’s jumped out to a quick lead. They scored 54 points and never looked back. Moreover, they played with poise under pressure. Baylor tried to rally, but the Red Storm answered every run. By halftime, the score was 54-40 in favor of St. John’s.

In the second half, Baylor made a push. They cut the deficit to single digits. However, St. John’s responded with back-to-back three-pointers. Likewise, they blocked shots and grabbed offensive rebounds. As a result, Baylor’s run stalled. Eventually, St. John’s expanded the lead to 15 points. They closed out the game 96-81.

Standout Performers

Malik Grant led the way with 24 points and nine rebounds. He hit six three-pointers and played tough defense. Additionally, Demetrius Knox added 18 points and six assists. Meanwhile, the bench pair of Isaiah Reid and Jordan Thomas combined for 28 points. Reid scored 16, and Thomas chipped in 12. Their energy kept the momentum strong.

On the Baylor side, star guard Jerrion Ealy scored 27 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds. Nonetheless, he faced tight defense from St. John’s guards. Consequently, he missed key shots in the final minutes.

How St. John’s Upset Baylor Happened

Firstly, the Red Storm mixed their lineup to confuse Baylor’s defense. They alternated between a small-ball five and a bigger lineup. Moreover, they pushed the pace in transition. That strategy led to easy fast-break points. Secondly, they communicated on defense. They switched on screens and helped on drives. Therefore, Baylor found few open looks. Thirdly, their shots fell at the right times. When Baylor made a run, St. John’s hit crucial threes to rebuild their lead.

Turning Point Moment

The key moment came early in the second half. Baylor had trimmed a 14-point deficit down to six. Then, Malik Grant knocked down a deep three. Immediately, Demetrius Knox stole the inbound pass. He then assisted Isaiah Reid for another three. In under 30 seconds, St. John’s swung the momentum back. From that point on, Baylor never led again.

Looking Ahead: Sweet 16 Bound

With this win, St. John’s advances to the Sweet 16. They will face the No. 3 seed, Tennessee Volunteers. That game will take place in Los Angeles. The Red Storm now has a real chance to make a deep run. They believe in their system and trust each other. Furthermore, they know they can beat any team if they bring the same energy.

Coach’s Thoughts

After the game, coach Mike Anderson praised his players’ effort. He said they followed the game plan perfectly. He noted their defense and three-point shooting made the difference. Additionally, he praised the team’s resilience. Despite facing a top seed, they stayed calm and confident.

Fan Reactions

Thousands of fans packed the arena to cheer on St. John’s. They turned up the volume from tipoff to the final buzzer. After the win, fans stormed the court in celebration. Social media exploded with highlights of Grant’s threes and Knox’s steals. Many fans declared this the biggest upset of the tournament so far.

Why This Upset Matters

This victory boosts St. John’s national profile. It shows they belong among the college basketball elite. Moreover, it gives future recruits a reason to consider joining the program. Finally, it reminds everyone that March Madness always delivers surprises. No matter how high a seed ranks, any team can win on any day.

Key Takeaways From This Game

• Balanced scoring and depth made the difference.
• Strong defense led to crucial stops and transition points.
• Timely shooting ended Baylor’s rallies.
• The win sets up a big Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee.

Looking Forward

Now, all eyes turn to Los Angeles. St. John’s will prepare for Tennessee. They will analyze film and sharpen their defense. Meanwhile, fans will dream big about a Final Four run. Above all, this team knows how to win under pressure. They proved it by toppling one of the nation’s top teams. If they keep playing this way, more surprises could follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game?

The final score was 96-81 in favor of St. John’s.

Who led St. John’s in scoring?

Malik Grant led St. John’s with 24 points.

How many three-pointers did St. John’s make?

They made 12 three-pointers in the game.

Who will St. John’s play in the Sweet 16?

St. John’s will face Tennessee in the Sweet 16. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/25/photos-st-johns-basketball-win-over-baylor-at-players-era-championship/