Before the most anticipated St. John’s season this century began, the school looked back on last year.

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A video montage of the Johnnies’ memorable run to the Big East regular season and postseason titles was shown. The four returning players – Zuby Ejifor, Ruben Prey, Lefteris Liotopoulos and Sadiku Ibine Ayo – received their diamond-encrusted rings.

Rick Pitino got on the microphone.

“We’re after the biggest prize of all,” he told the sold-out Carnesecca Arena crowd, referring to a national championship.

On opening night, the fifth-ranked Red Storm looked the part of a contender. The

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