In a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup on March 22, 2026, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 67-65, thanks to a last-second layup by Dylan Darling. This victory marks St. John’s first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 1999.
Darling’s dramatic shot came as time expired, making him the first player in NCAA history to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater without scoring a single point prior to the shot. The win is a significant achievement for St. John’s, which has now won 21 of its last 22 games and captured both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles.
Rick Pitino, at 73 years old, continues to coach with fervor, amassing 914 career victories, which ranks him third in college basketball history. His experience and leadership have been pivotal in guiding St. John’s through a successful season.
In contrast, Kansas, seeded fourth in the tournament, faced a disappointing exit. Head coach Bill Self, with 855 career victories, ranks twelfth in college basketball history, but his team could not overcome the fifth-seeded St. John’s.
Reflecting on the game, Pitino remarked, “Here’s the amazing thing and it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever been involved with.” He acknowledged the pressure on players today, 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.”
St. John’s victory sets the stage for a potential showdown against the Duke Blue Devils, a team Pitino has not faced in a significant NCAA game for 30 years. The anticipation is building as fans look forward to what could be a historic matchup.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement surrounding Pitino and his team’s performance continues to grow. With their remarkable journey so far, St. John’s is poised to make a deeper run in the tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for both teams as they prepare for their upcoming games. However, the impact of this victory on St. John’s program and Pitino’s legacy is undeniable.
