St. John’s Rally Falls Short in Early Season Test Against No. 15 Alabama

Crimson Tide Expose St. John’s Lack of ‘Closing Gear’ in Upset Loss

Saturday afternoon delivered a crucial early-season reality check for the St. John’s basketball program. Facing their first major test of the 2025-2026 season against the highly-regarded No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide, the Red Storm demonstrated grit and resilience, mounting a furious late-game rally. However, when the game entered the crucial final minutes, it was Alabama that found the extra gear necessary to secure the victory, ultimately handing St. John’s an important, yet disappointing, loss.

The contest, played at [Specific Location/Arena, if known, otherwise omitted for factual integrity], was tight for 35 minutes, showcasing the potential of the St. John’s squad. Yet, the final stretch highlighted the difference between a promising team and a seasoned, ranked contender. Alabama utilized a decisive late run, capitalizing on key defensive stops and efficient offensive execution, to break open what had been a nail-biter.

The Decisive Run: Alabama’s Execution Under Pressure

The narrative of the game centered on St. John’s inability to maintain tempo and execution when it mattered most. While the Red Storm showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in transition and during their mid-second-half surge, the No. 15 Crimson Tide proved superior in the half-court sets and transition defense during the final five minutes.

Last season, St. John’s was often characterized by its ability to find a finishing level—a gear they could hit to close out close contests. That characteristic was notably absent in this matchup, a fact that will undoubtedly be scrutinized by the coaching staff.

Alabama’s victory was built on several key factors:

• Tempo Control: The Crimson Tide successfully dictated the pace, slowing down the Red Storm’s preferred fast-break offense when necessary and forcing them into difficult half-court possessions.
• Clutch Shooting: Alabama hit crucial three-pointers and mid-range jumpers during their decisive run, preventing St. John’s from completing their comeback bid.
• Defensive Pressure: The Tide ramped up defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and bad shots from St. John’s primary ball-handlers in the closing moments.

St. John’s Strengths and Weaknesses Exposed

While the loss is frustrating, the performance offered valuable insights into the Red Storm’s current identity. The team demonstrated significant heart, refusing to fold even when facing a double-digit deficit, which led to the spirited rally that brought the score back within striking distance.

However, the weaknesses were equally apparent, particularly the lack of a reliable, go-to scorer who can consistently create high-percentage shots against elite defensive pressure late in the clock. The team’s offensive sets appeared stagnant when the primary options were taken away, leading to rushed possessions and forced shots.

Implications for the Red Storm Program

This early November matchup was designed to be a measuring stick—a test to see how the Red Storm stacked up against a nationally ranked program from a major conference like the SEC. The result confirms that while St. John’s possesses the talent and athleticism to compete, they still lack the discipline and execution required to win those high-stakes games.

For a program aiming to re-establish itself among the nation’s elite, these early tests are critical learning opportunities. The coaching staff will now focus on addressing the late-game deficiencies, particularly:

1. Ball Security: Minimizing costly turnovers in the final minutes that negate successful defensive possessions.
2. Shot Selection: Improving the quality of looks generated when the game slows down and the defense tightens.
3. Endurance and Focus: Ensuring players maintain peak mental and physical focus through the entire 40 minutes, preventing the opponent from finding that ‘extra gear.’

“The effort was there, but effort doesn’t win games against top-15 teams. Execution does,” [A hypothetical coach quote reflecting the article’s theme] said after the game. “We showed we can fight back, but we have to learn how to finish the job. That’s the next step for this program.”

Key Takeaways from the Alabama Loss

The defeat serves as a foundational moment for St. John’s as they head deeper into the 2025-2026 schedule. Here are the critical points for fans and analysts:

• The Test Was Failed: While competitive, St. John’s ultimately failed their first major test, demonstrating they are not yet ready to consistently defeat top-15 caliber teams.
• Rally Potential is Real: The team’s ability to erase a significant deficit shows heart and offensive firepower, suggesting they can dominate lesser opponents.
• Closing Deficiency: The lack of a reliable late-game offensive system or a dominant closer player was the ultimate difference-maker.
• SEC Quality: Alabama’s performance highlighted the high level of execution and discipline required to succeed in major conference play.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Big East Play

While the loss is a setback, the experience gained from battling a ranked SEC opponent in November is invaluable preparation for the rigorous Big East Conference schedule ahead. The lessons learned about late-game execution, transition defense, and managing pressure will be crucial when facing conference rivals.

The focus now shifts to integrating these lessons quickly. The Red Storm must demonstrate in upcoming non-conference games that they can translate the effort shown against Alabama into consistent, 40-minute execution, especially in the clutch. Only then can they prove they have developed the necessary ‘finishing gear’ required for a successful season and a deep tournament run.