In a gripping showdown on February 18, 2026, Oziyah Sellers emerged as a pivotal player for No. 17 St. John’s, contributing significantly to their 76-70 victory over Marquette. Coming off the bench for the first time this season, Sellers showcased his sharpshooting prowess, scoring 12 points, including two critical three-pointers. This performance was particularly noteworthy given his recent struggles from beyond the arc, where he had been mired in a challenging 7-for-29 stretch.
“It felt good to obviously hit 3s. Shooters are going to shoot through misses,” Sellers remarked, embodying the resilience and mindset that defines a true athlete. His determination not to shy away from shooting, even amid a slump, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game. Coach Rick Pitino, who has been encouraging Sellers to maintain his shooting confidence, humorously noted, “I’m going to yell it at him, shooters are going to shoot,” emphasizing the importance of persistence in cultivating a successful basketball career.
The strategic decision to start sophomore Joson Sanon in Sellers’ place was a calculated move by Pitino, aimed at boosting Sanon’s confidence. Sanon responded with nine points on 3-of-9 shooting, although the game highlighted the depth of St. John’s roster, showcasing how each player can contribute in different ways. Sellers, despite missing practice due to a sore ankle, managed to be a team-high plus-12 in just 23 minutes on the court, a testament to his impact when on the floor.
Zuby Ejiofor’s performance was another highlight of the game. Despite a lackluster first half—where he missed seven of ten shots and recorded no rebounds—Ejiofor demonstrated the hallmark of a seasoned player by stepping up when it mattered most. He ignited a crucial 9-0 run with a timely basket and finished the game with ten points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Pitino praised Ejiofor, stating, “That’s a veteran right there,” underscoring the importance of experience and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
This game also marked St. John’s first contest since their January 3 loss to Providence, where they had committed more turnovers than their opponent. In a notable shift, the Red Storm only turned the ball over 12 times against Marquette, compared to the Golden Eagles’ 10. This improvement could be attributed to a sharpened focus and execution, which have been crucial as St. John’s extended their winning streak to 12 games and set a program record with 11 consecutive Big East road victories dating back to the previous season.
As the season progresses, the performance of players like Sellers and Ejiofor, alongside Pitino’s strategic decisions, will play an essential role in shaping the team’s trajectory. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure and adapt to challenges will not only be vital for upcoming games but is also a critical aspect of their development as a cohesive unit capable of making a deep run in the postseason. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as St. John’s aims to build on this momentum and solidify their standing in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
