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AP Photos: "Shinbyu," a rite of passage for young Buddhists in Myanmar

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AP Photos: "Shinbyu," a rite of passage for young Buddhists in Myanmar
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AP Photos: "Shinbyu," a rite of passage for young Buddhists in Myanmar

2025-03-15 18:27 Last Updated At：21:54

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Brightly dressed boys and girls mounted on horses and carts, accompanied by their guardians, make their way to a Buddhist monastery in southern Myanmar, as they prepare to enter a period of monkhood that can last anywhere between a few days to months.

A novitiation, or “Shinbyu,” ceremony is mostly held in March across the Buddhist-majority country. It is followed by all Myanmar Buddhists and is said to date back more than 2 1/2 millennia, a religious gift given by Buddha to his own son, Rahula.

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Buddhist nuns watch a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Buddhist nuns watch a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
A child who is to become a Buddhist nun rides on a decorated cow cart during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A child who is to become a Buddhist nun rides on a decorated cow cart during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

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Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Would-be Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Children who are to become Buddhist nuns and monks ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns and monks ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
People carrying Buddhist religious stuffs walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying Buddhist religious stuffs walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
A boy who is to become Buddhist novice rides on horse during a procession parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A boy who is to become Buddhist novice rides on horse during a procession parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Children who are to become Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
More Images
Buddhist nuns watch a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Buddhist nuns watch a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A child who is to become a Buddhist nun rides on a decorated cow cart during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A child who is to become a Buddhist nun rides on a decorated cow cart during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns and monks ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns and monks ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying Buddhist religious stuffs walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying Buddhist religious stuffs walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A boy who is to become Buddhist novice rides on horse during a procession parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A boy who is to become Buddhist novice rides on horse during a procession parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

On Saturday, the colors pink and gold seemed to dominate many of the girls' intricately tailored dresses, as some smiled widely at the cameras. Adults held colorful umbrellas to shield the young would-be novices from the sun while hundreds lined the streets to watch the procession in Hlegu township, outside the city of Yangon.

Upon arriving at the monastery, their heads will be shaved as they begin their training.

Though most of the Buddhist novices, all under 20, remain nuns and monks for a short period, the ordination is seen as a rite of passage. In addition to learning the basic tenants of their faith, it serves as a sort of spiritual credit for their parents, helping emancipate them from a vicious cycle of rebirth and death.

—

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Buddhist nuns watch a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Buddhist nuns watch a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 A child who is to become a Buddhist nun rides on a decorated cow cart during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A child who is to become a Buddhist nun rides on a decorated cow cart during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying flowers walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Would-be Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Children who are to become Buddhist nuns and monks ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns and monks ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Would-be Buddhist novices ride on horses during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 People carrying Buddhist religious stuffs walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

People carrying Buddhist religious stuffs walk during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
A boy who is to become Buddhist novice rides on horse during a procession parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

A boy who is to become Buddhist novice rides on horse during a procession parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Children who are to become Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist novices wait for a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

 Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Children who are to become Buddhist nuns ride on decorated cow carts during a processional parade as part of a celebration of a novitiation or “Shinbyu,” ceremony, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hlegu township, outside of Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

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No. 6 St. John's beats Creighton 82-66 for 1st Big East Tournament crown in 25 years

 2025-03-16 10:10 Last Updated At：10:21

NEW YORK (AP) — RJ Luis Jr. scored all but two of his 29 points after halftime and No. 6 St. John's made 14 straight shots from the field in the second half to beat Creighton 82-66 on Saturday night for its first Big East Tournament title in 25 years.

Zuby Ejiofor added 20 points and Kadary Richmond had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the top-seeded Red Storm (30-4), who reached 30 wins for the third time in program history before a roaring hometown crowd at sold-out Madison Square Garden.

They earned the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for their first trip since 2019, making 72-year-old Hall of Famer Rick Pitino the first coach to take six schools to the Big Dance.

The others were Boston University, Providence, Kentucky, Louisville and Iona.

“For all the St. John's fans, this is for you!” Pitino proclaimed during a postgame interview on the court, pausing to remove falling confetti from his lips. “St. John's is New York's team!”

Pitino, in his second season with the Johnnies, also became the first coach to win the Big East Tournament at two schools. He’s won three times in his last four seasons in the league, after guiding Louisville to championships in 2009, 2012 and 2013.

“I saved the best for last,” Pitino said to loud cheers from the crowd of 19,812.

Luis, the Big East Player of the Year, also grabbed 10 rebounds and was selected the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. He was draped in a Dominican Republic flag as fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” after the game.

“I'm so excited. I couldn't be more blessed for this opportunity,” Luis said. “We're going to keep on going.”

Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 15 for second-seeded Creighton (24-10), which fell to 0-5 in Big East championship games since joining the conference for the 2013-14 season.

It was the fourth Big East Tournament title for the Johnnies, who made the championship game for the first time since winning the 2000 trophy under Mike Jarvis. The previous two came in the 1980s under Hall of Fame coach Lou Carnesecca, who died Nov. 30 about five weeks shy of his 100th birthday.

Luis was whistled for his second foul with 7:19 left before halftime and sat out the rest of the half.

After falling behind by eight early, St. John’s finally took its first lead at 43-41 with 11:55 remaining when backup big man Vince Iwuchukwu scored left-handed in the post over the 7-foot-1 Kalkbrenner, the four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

That came 33 seconds after Ejiofor converted a tying three-point play that began a streak of 14 consecutive made field goals for the Johnnies, giving them to a 70-55 lead. Several were fast-break layups, although Luis drained a pair of 3-pointers and Aaron Scott nailed one of his own before Ejiofor finally missed a jumper with less than five minutes left.

By then, the Red Storm had gone more than 7 1/2 minutes without missing a shot, and they connected on 17 of their final 19 field goal attempts. Quite an offensive display for a team that entered the game shooting 45% from floor.

Bluejays reserve Fedor Zugic injured his right ankle with 11:23 left in the first half and had to be helped off the court toward the locker room. He didn’t return.

Creighton, which entered shooting 74% on free throws, missed six of its first eight from the line and finished 8 for 16.

Creighton: Headed to its fifth straight NCAA Tournament when the brackets are revealed Sunday.

St. John’s: Hasn’t won an NCAA Tournament game in 25 years. Pitino and the streaking Red Storm seem likely to receive a No. 2 seed Sunday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball:  https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll  and  https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

St. John's Simeon Wilcher (7) blocks a shot by Creighton's Jackson McAndrew (23) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Simeon Wilcher (7) blocks a shot by Creighton's Jackson McAndrew (23) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's Sadiku Ibine Ayo (2) and Vince Iwuchukwu (8) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Sadiku Ibine Ayo (2) and Vince Iwuchukwu (8) celebrate after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 Fans watch as St. John's celebrates during the trophy ceremony after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Fans watch as St. John's celebrates during the trophy ceremony after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, left, talks to Steven Ashworth (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the St. John's in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, left, talks to Steven Ashworth (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the St. John's in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's Zuby Ejiofor, center, and RJ Luis Jr. celebrate with teammates after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Zuby Ejiofor, center, and RJ Luis Jr. celebrate with teammates after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's head coach Rick Pitino celebrates with his team after the tournament trophy was presented after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino celebrates with his team after the tournament trophy was presented after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 Creighton's Jamiya Neal (5), Jackson McAndrew (23) and Steven Ashworth (1) watch during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the St. John's in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Creighton's Jamiya Neal (5), Jackson McAndrew (23) and Steven Ashworth (1) watch during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the St. John's in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's head coach Rick Pitino gestures during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino gestures during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's Zuby Ejiofor, left, celebrates as Zuby Ejiofor holds the tournament trophy after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Zuby Ejiofor, left, celebrates as Zuby Ejiofor holds the tournament trophy after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's head coach Rick Pitino admires the tournment trophy after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino admires the tournment trophy after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's RJ Luis Jr. gestures to fans before cutting the net after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's RJ Luis Jr. gestures to fans before cutting the net after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 Spike Lee reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between St. John's and Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Spike Lee reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between St. John's and Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 Creighton's Steven Ashworth gestures after making a three-point shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against the St. John's in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Creighton's Steven Ashworth gestures after making a three-point shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against the St. John's in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's Zuby Ejiofor holds celebrates with teammates while holding the tournament trophy after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's Zuby Ejiofor holds celebrates with teammates while holding the tournament trophy after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) shoots over Creighton's Jamiya Neal (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) shoots over Creighton's Jamiya Neal (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) shoots over Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) shoots over Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 Creighton's Jasen Green (0) defends a shot by St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Creighton's Jasen Green (0) defends a shot by St. John's's Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's's Deivon Smith (5) reaches for the inbound pass to Creighton's Jamiya Neal (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's's Deivon Smith (5) reaches for the inbound pass to Creighton's Jamiya Neal (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's's RJ Luis Jr. (12) shoots over Creighton's Steven Ashworth (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's's RJ Luis Jr. (12) shoots over Creighton's Steven Ashworth (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

 St. John's celebrates after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

St. John's celebrates after an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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