St. John's Red Storm secures NCAA tournament victory over Omaha

On March 22, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island, the No. 5 seed St. John's Red Storm faced off against the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks in the NCAA Tournament second round. St. John's had a stellar season, with a record of 31-4, including 21-2 in the Big East Conference. The team's impressive performance continued in this matchup, which marked their first encounter this season with Arkansas, who entered the game with a 21-13 record and 9-11 in the SEC. The Red Storm’s strength was showcased through their strong first-round victory against Omaha, where they dominated the second half, ultimately winning their first NCAA tournament game since 2000. Rick Pitino, St. John's head coach, has a history of rivalry with John Calipari, head coach of Arkansas. Their encounters date back to when Pitino was coaching at Kentucky, giving their teams an added layer of intensity. Despite the fierce competition, Pitino stated that his focus was on preparing his team rather than on individual rivalries with other coaches. The game was highly anticipated, featuring prominent players like RJ Luis Jr., who excelled in scoring. The Red Storm had performed well against Big East opponents, securing 21 wins, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the tournament. As the game unfolded, St. John's showcased their offensive prowess with RJ Luis leading the scoring efforts, contributing significantly to their outcomes. The Red Storm not only excelled in shooting, evidencing a 45.1% success rate from the field but also demonstrated solid defensive capabilities, limiting Arkansas' shooting percentage. Arkansas, despite its potential, struggled against St. John's well-rounded team performance. The key aspect of their matchup revolved around Arkansas's ability to respond to St. John's aggressive gameplay, notably demonstrated by the Red Storm’s stellar second-half performance in their previous game. The stakes were high, and as the clock ticked down, St. John’s capitalized on their momentum, further propelling them to victory. This win stands as a significant accomplishment for the program under Pitino's leadership, indicating a resurgence in their tournament potential. With this victory, St. John's aims to further their success in the NCAA tournament, spurring excitement among fans and fueling hopes for a deep run as they prepare for future matchups amidst increasing expectations.