History of Georgetown–St. John's men's basketball rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 4, 2026

The Georgetown-St. John's men's basketball rivalry is a college basketball rivalry between the Georgetown Hoyas and St. John's Red Storm. They first played in 1909, with annually scheduled games beginning in 1965. The rivalry intensified when both became founding members of the Big East Conference in 1979. It gained national prominence during the 1984-85 season when both teams were consistently ranked #1 and #2. They met four times that season, including in the Big East Tournament championship game and the 1985 NCAA Tournament Final Four.

December 8, 1909: First game between Georgetown and St. John's

On December 8, 1909, Georgetown and St. John's played their first game, which St. John's won with a score of 41–26.

1965: Annual games begin

In 1965, Georgetown and St. John's began playing annually scheduled games, marking a consistent chapter in their rivalry.

1979: Teams become founding members of the Big East Conference

In 1979, both Georgetown and St. John's became founding members of the original Big East Conference, intensifying their rivalry.

1984: Hall of Fame players

In 1984, Chris Mullin and Patrick Ewing were Hall of Fame players from the 1984–85 season, who later coached St. John's and Georgetown, respectively.

1984: Height of Rivalry

In 1984, the Georgetown–St. John's rivalry reached national attention when both programs were ranked #1 and #2 throughout the 1984–85 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.

1985: Multiple Encounters

In 1985, Georgetown and St. John's met on four occasions, including during the 1985 Big East Tournament championship game and the 1985 NCAA Tournament Final Four, further highlighting their intense rivalry.