NEW YORK (AP) — With the outcome already decided in the waning seconds, St. John's students couldn't resist. “Who's your daddy? Who’s your daddy?” came the chant in a crowd of 12,310 at Madison Square Garden.
Father was best in this family affair. Rick Pitino defeated his son again Sunday in their latest coaching clash, as No. 22 St.
John’s (4-0) passed its first real test this season by topping New Mexico 85-71 behind 21 points and 11 rebounds from RJ Luis Jr. Richard Pitino, coach of the Lobos (3-1), didn't seem to mind the catcalls too much. A huge New York Yankees fan, he immediately recalled the origin of that derisive chorus, directed by Bronx Bombers backers years ago at Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martínez.
“Other than that, I laughed it off. I didn't think much of it,” said Richard Pitino, who attended a World Series game at Yankee Stadium with his dad last month. “This is what our obnoxious New York fans do, and I'm part of it.
” Rick Pitino wasn't thrilled, though. “I don't get upset at the crowd,” he said. “I just wish they would stop saying that.
” Rick Pitino, in his second season at St. John's, improved to 3-1 in coaching matchups against his son. The previous two wins came when the 72-year-old Hall of Famer was at Louisville.
Richard Pitino beat his father's Iona team two years ago at The Pit. That's one of only two victories by sons in 22 coaching matchups vs. their dads in Division I history.
“OK, he's my son so I'm going to brag.
