In a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup on March 22, 2026, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm achieved a stunning 67-65 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. The game concluded dramatically with Dylan Darling hitting a layup as time expired, propelling St. John’s to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999.
This remarkable win not only highlights St. John’s resurgence in college basketball but also showcases Darling’s unique achievement; he became the first player to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater without scoring a single point prior to the shot. The victory is particularly significant given that St. John’s entered the tournament as a 5 seed, while Kansas was a 4 seed.
Rick Pitino, now 73 years old, continues to defy age and expectations, coaching every game as if it’s his last. With 914 career victories, he ranks third in college basketball history, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport. In contrast, Kansas coach Bill Self holds 855 career victories, placing him twelfth in the same ranking.
St. John’s has been on a remarkable run, winning 21 of its last 22 games, including both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles. This recent success has reinvigorated the program and its fan base, who have not seen such a deep tournament run in over two decades.
Reflecting on the game, Pitino remarked, “Here’s the amazing thing and it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever been involved with.” He emphasized the importance of confidence in players, 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.”
As St. John’s prepares for their next challenge, they will face the Duke Blue Devils, a team Pitino has not faced in a significant NCAA game for 30 years. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Pitino’s experience will play against Duke’s storied program.
In the aftermath of the victory, Pitino also shared a reflective moment, saying, “I’ve been on both sides of it — winning and losing at the buzzer.” His words resonate with the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies NCAA Tournament play.
As the tournament progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Rick Pitino and his St. John’s team, who have captured the hearts of many with their tenacity and skill. The journey to the Sweet 16 is just the beginning, and fans are hopeful for what lies ahead.