In a thrilling development, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm has advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks on March 23, 2026. The victory was sealed by a buzzer-beater layup from Dylan Darling, marking a significant moment for the program.
This win is particularly notable as it marks St. John’s first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 1999. The team has shown remarkable form, winning 21 of their last 22 games, a turnaround that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
St. John’s impressive performance sets the stage for a challenging matchup against the Duke Blue Devils, who are the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. DraftKings Sportsbook has listed Duke as a 7.5-point favorite for the upcoming contest, reflecting the high stakes involved.
Rick Pitino, who has been a coach for over three decades, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as his team prepares for the game against Duke. He noted, “We’re going to play Duke with our hearts out and be real proud of what we’ve accomplished. But don’t embrace anything that’s happened. Get ready for Duke.”
This upcoming game also holds personal significance for Pitino, who faced Duke in the 1992 Elite Eight when his Kentucky team lost due to a buzzer-beater by Christian Laettner. Reflecting on this, he stated, “You win some, you lose some. And I’m hoping we can get Duke at the buzzer next to make up for that Christian Laettner shot.”
As the excitement builds, fans are eager to see if St. John’s can continue their winning streak and overcome the odds against a formidable opponent like Duke. Pitino’s leadership and the team’s recent success have generated a sense of optimism around the program.
With the Sweet 16 matchup approaching, the basketball community is watching closely to see how St. John’s will perform on this big stage. The game is not just a test of skill but also a chance for redemption for Pitino, who has experienced both victory and defeat at the buzzer throughout his career.
As the tournament progresses, St. John’s fans are hopeful that their team can defy expectations and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, starting with their upcoming clash against Duke.
