PROVIDENCE, R.I., March 23, 2025 – John Calipari is heading back to the Sweet 16, and this time, it might mean more than ever. The legendary coach guided his 10th-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks to a 75-66 upset win over No. 2 seed St. John’s, outdueling longtime rival Rick Pitino in a battle of Hall of Fame minds.
In what many dubbed the “Region of Coaches,” Calipari’s Razorbacks added another major scalp to their résumé, having already eliminated Kansas and Bill Self in the opening round. Now, with back-to-back wins over two of the sport’s most respected coaches, Calipari and Arkansas have punched their ticket to the West Region semifinal in San Francisco, where they will face third-seeded Texas Tech.
Resilience and Redemption for Razorbacks
For Calipari, now heading to the Sweet 16 for a remarkable 16th time and with a fourth different program, the victory was more than just tactical—it was personal.
“This is as rewarding as a year I’ve had, based on how far we’ve come,” Calipari said, referring to a season that began with an 0-5 SEC start plagued by injuries.
The Razorbacks (22-13) have since found their rhythm. Billy Richmond III led the way with 16 points, while Karter Knox added 15, showcasing the team’s depth and big-game poise.
Pitino and St. John’s Stumble After Historic Season
St. John’s (31-5), the Big East champions, had returned to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed for the first time in 25 years under Pitino, who made history by bringing a record sixth school to the Big Dance. But despite a dominant regular season and the nation’s top-rated defense, the Red Storm’s offense collapsed under pressure.
Zuby Ejiofor was the lone bright spot for the Johnnies, posting a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double. However, RJ Luis Jr., the Big East Player of the Year, was stifled, finishing with just nine points on 3-of-17 shooting.
“They outplayed us. They deserve to move on and we don’t,” Pitino admitted. “That’s what March Madness is all about.”
Cold Shooting Dooms the Red Storm
St. John’s was plagued by poor shooting all game, hitting just 28% from the floor and a dismal 2-for-20 from beyond the arc. Both teams combined for only four made three-pointers on 41 attempts, but it was the Red Storm’s offensive struggles in crunch time that proved fatal.
After trimming the lead to 62-60 with just over six minutes remaining, St. John’s missed its next six three-point attempts and went 1-for-9 down the stretch, failing to capitalize on key possessions.
Knox’s clutch free throws extended Arkansas’ lead, and a costly turnover by Deivon Smith, who dribbled the ball off his knee, sealed the Red Storm’s fate. As Richmond was fouled with five seconds left, Arkansas players stormed the court in celebration, saluting their small but vocal contingent of traveling fans.
Calipari vs. Pitino: A Rivalry Reignited
Saturday’s clash was more than just a tournament game — it was a showdown between two of college basketball’s most iconic and competitive figures. Calipari and Pitino, whose coaching rivalry dates back decades, delivered a battle for the ages, but it was Calipari who had the final say this time.
“Rick did a good job with his team all year,” Calipari said postgame. “If they made a few shots, they probably beat us. We were fortunate to get out.”
Looking Ahead: Razorbacks Eye Elite Eight
Arkansas will now take on Texas Tech in the Sweet 16, looking to continue their Cinderella run and prove they belong among college basketball’s elite. For a program rejuvenated under Calipari’s leadership in just his first season, the future suddenly looks very bright.
As for Pitino and the Red Storm, the bitter taste of an early exit contrasts sharply with the promise they showed all season. Still, St. John’s re-emergence under Pitino remains one of the year’s top stories, even if the ending came too soon.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.