Razorbacks Stun St. John’s, Calipari Outduels Pitino in March Madness Upset
The Arkansas Razorbacks, a No. 10 seed, orchestrated a stunning upset over the No. 2 seeded St. John’s Red Storm on Saturday, securing a 75-66 victory in the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. The game, played at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, saw John Calipari’s Razorbacks dismantle Rick Pitino’s Red Storm, marking the first elimination of a No. 2 seed from this year’s tournament.
The highly anticipated matchup, framed as a clash between two coaching legends, ultimately favored Calipari, who showcased his ability to rally a team and exploit his opponent’s weaknesses. The Razorbacks displayed resilience and a determined spirit, overcoming their own shooting struggles to capitalize on St. John’s’ abysmal offensive performance.
St. John’s struggled mightily from the field, shooting a dismal 28% overall and a horrendous 2-22 from beyond the arc. Their offensive woes were a major factor in their downfall, as they simply couldn’t find a rhythm or generate consistent scoring opportunities. The Red Storm’s inability to convert open looks and penetrate the Arkansas defense proved to be their undoing.
Adding to St. John’s’ troubles, Pitino made a controversial decision to bench Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. late in the second half. Luis, who finished with nine points and seven rebounds, struggled mightily himself, shooting just 3-17 from the field. Pitino’s decision to sit his star player raised eyebrows and potentially impacted the team’s chances of mounting a comeback. Whether Luis’s struggles warranted a benching at such a crucial juncture of the game remains a topic of debate.
Zuby Ejiofor was a lone bright spot for St. John’s, delivering a strong performance with 23 points on 7 of 12 shooting and 12 rebounds. Ejiofor’s effort provided a spark, but he lacked consistent support from his teammates. Deivon Smith was the only other Red Storm player to reach double figures, contributing 13 points. The lack of offensive contributions from the rest of the roster hampered St. John’s’ ability to keep pace with Arkansas.
For Arkansas, the victory was a testament to their balanced scoring attack and collective effort. Three players scored in double figures, led by Billy Richmond III, who recorded 16 points and nine rebounds. Karter Knox added 15 points, while Johnell Davis chipped in with 13. The Razorbacks’ ability to share the scoring load and rely on multiple contributors proved to be crucial in securing the upset.
While Arkansas ultimately prevailed, their own shooting performance was far from perfect. The Razorbacks shot 42.9% from the field, a respectable percentage, but struggled from 3-point range, converting only 2 of 19 attempts. Despite their struggles from deep, Arkansas managed to find other ways to score, relying on their inside game and attacking the basket effectively.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Calipari in his first year as head coach of the Razorbacks. He successfully guided his team through a challenging tournament environment, showcasing his coaching acumen and ability to motivate his players. Calipari’s experience and tactical adjustments played a key role in neutralizing St. John’s’ strengths and exploiting their weaknesses.
With the upset victory, Arkansas advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face the winner of the game between No. 11-seeded Drake and No. 3-seeded Texas Tech. The Razorbacks will undoubtedly be riding high on confidence after their impressive performance against St. John’s, but they will need to continue to refine their game and prepare for another tough challenge.
The road to the Final Four will be arduous, but Arkansas has demonstrated that they are a team capable of competing with the best. Their balanced scoring, defensive tenacity, and the leadership of Coach Calipari make them a dangerous opponent for any team in the tournament.
The defeat, on the other hand, leaves St. John’s and Rick Pitino with a bitter taste. Their disappointing performance highlighted their offensive deficiencies and raised questions about their ability to perform under pressure. Pitino will undoubtedly look to address these issues in the offseason and build a stronger team for next year’s campaign. The loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of March Madness and the importance of performing at one’s best when it matters most. The Red Storm’s dream of a deep tournament run was cut short, leaving them to ponder what might have been.
The Razorbacks’ victory serves as a classic example of the magic of March Madness, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and defy expectations. It also highlights the importance of coaching, teamwork, and the ability to overcome adversity. As Arkansas prepares for the Sweet 16, they will carry the momentum of this significant win and aim to continue their improbable journey towards a national championship. Their performance in Providence sent a clear message: the Razorbacks are a force to be reckoned with.
