Rick Pitino issues his hyped St. John's squad a new challenge

There were times when it felt like Buddy Ryan was on the sideline, as if St. John’s had a better chance at creating points with its defense than its offense.

During the Red Storm’s first outright regular-season Big East title since 1985, Rick Pitino’s defense impressed the eyes as much as the computers (rated second nationally on KenPom.com), ranking 10th in defensive field-goal percentage (39.7), ninth in turnovers forced (15.2) and 13th in blocks (5.2).

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Opponents averaged less than 66 points per game. Only one team scored as many as 82 points in regulation. Offenses lost rhythm befo