St. John's beats Kansas at buzzer to reach first Sweet 16 since 1999
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Dylan Darling, despite missing 16 straight 3-point attempts and scoring no points all game, hit a buzzer-beating layup to secure a 67-65 victory for St. John’s over Kansas, sending the team to its first Sweet 16 since 1999.
- St. John’s overcame a 14-point lead loss and intense pressure in the final seconds, with coach Rick Pitino trusting Darling to run a critical play called "Power," resulting in the game-winning basket.
- The Red Storm showcased strong defense, forcing 16 turnovers and limiting Kansas to only five 3-pointers while making 11 themselves, highlighting their effective strategy and shooting prowess.
- Key contributors included Zuby Ejiofor with 18 points and nine rebounds, Bryce Hopkins with 18 points and a tournament-record six 3-pointers, and Ian Jackson adding 10 points off the bench.
- St. John’s will face Duke in the Sweet 16, with Coach Pitino hoping for a dramatic finish to avenge a past buzzer-beater loss against the Blue Devils in 1992.
