Rick Pitino’s return to Madison Square Garden as coach of St. John’s was highly anticipated. Unfortunately for the Red Storm and their fans, Michigan spoiled Pitino’s celebrated home debut with a decisive 89–73 victory on Monday night.
The Wolverines’ backcourt of point guard Dug McDaniel and transfer Nimari Burnett combined for 47 points. St. John’s had no answer on defense, which Pitino expressed surprise about after the game.
“What we didn’t expect was to get dominated by their point guard the way he dominated us tonight,” said Pitino, per Fox Sports’ John Fanta.
