In a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup on March 22, 2026, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm pulled off a dramatic 67-65 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks, sending them to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. Dylan Darling made a layup as time expired, marking a historic moment as he became the first player to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater without scoring a point prior to the shot.
This victory is a significant milestone for St. John’s, who entered the tournament as a No. 5 seed and have now won 21 of their last 22 games, including both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. The win against the No. 4 seeded Kansas adds to the momentum of a team that has been on a remarkable run.
Rick Pitino, at 73 years old, continues to coach with a fierce passion, treating every game as if it might be his last. With 914 career victories, he ranks third in college basketball history, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport. His counterpart, Bill Self, has 855 career victories, placing him twelfth in the same ranking.
Reflecting on the game, Pitino remarked, “Here’s the amazing thing and it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever been involved with.” His players have shown resilience, particularly Darling, who despite a tough shooting night, wanted the ball in the clutch moments. Pitino praised this confidence, stating, “For a player today, with all the scrutiny, to want the ball when he’s shooting terrible… it just speaks volumes about what he’s about — confidence.”
The upcoming matchup against the Duke Blue Devils will be a significant test for St. John’s, as it marks the first time Pitino has faced Duke in a major NCAA game in 30 years. The anticipation is palpable as fans and analysts alike look forward to this historic encounter.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement surrounding St. John’s continues to build. Pitino’s leadership and the team’s recent performance have reignited hope among fans, who are eager to see how far this squad can go.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for the team as they prepare for their Sweet 16 clash. However, the buzz around Rick Pitino and his Red Storm is undeniable, as they aim to make a deeper run in the tournament.
