The latest Associated Press poll was released Monday, listing St. John’s at No. 12, the school’s highest ranking since 2000. Its No. 10 ranking in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll is the Red Storm’s best mark since 1999.
And Tuesday night, Rick Pitino’s team can prove it is worthy of such respect.
Off to its best start in nearly four decades, St. John’s has a long-awaited opportunity to reveal its ceiling tonight against No. 11 Marquette at Madison Square Garden. The Red Storm (19-3, 10-1 Big East), riding an eight-game win streak and a 14-0 record at home this season, are one game in front of the Golden Eagles (18-4, 9-2) for first-place in the conference, but Marquette is 6-0 against the Johnnies under coach Shaka Smart.
It is St. John’s first top-15 matchup since the 1999 Elite Eight loss to Ohio State.