UConn and Syracuse have made magical runs as No. 9 seeds to Big East tournament champs. Will Cinderella's slipper fit Butler, too?

The Red Storm opened the Big East Tournament by cruising to a 78-57 victory over No. 9 seed Butler at Madison Square Garden. Next up for St. John’s (28-4) will be the winner of the Xavier-Marquette game later in the afternoon session. Butler’s season ended with a 13-19 record.

St. John’s raced out to an early 15-point lead and cruised to its 10th win in as many tries at the Garden. It was hardly tested by Butler, which pushed the Red Storm in two close games during the regular season. This had a very different feel.