STORRS, Conn. — The moment when Rick Pitino succumbed to the problems of his modern reality came during the preseason.

Defensive Intensity. Rugged Physicality. Timely shotmaking. St. John’s has the ingredients of a Big East champion, and Rick Pitino isn’t going to allow his team to let up.

All of the college basketball eyes are on the Big East as No. 12 St. John's travels to Storrs Friday to try and unseat No. 19 ...