Arkansas Razorbacks tops St. John’s to advance to Sweet 16
Arkansas guard Jonnell Davis (1) drives to the basket against St. John’s center Vincent Iwuchukwu (8) during the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images
It was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the country’s best defensive programs: No.2 St. John’s versus the top 10 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas capitalized on St. John’s poor shooting, as the Johnnies hit just 28% from the field and nine percent from three (2 of 22). The marquee coaching duel featured Hall of Famers Rick Pitino and John Calipari, meeting for the fifth time in NCAA Tournament history, with both coaches winning two apiece.
The contest was heavily officiated, with 44 fouls and 58 trips to the line combined. Both teams attacked the basket aggressively early. Arkansas went on a 7-0 run after the Johnnies initially led 4-2.
Razorbacks Start Strong
Forward Karter Knox attacked relentlessly, reaching the free throw line five times and converting all for his first seven points. His teammate Jonnell Davis added seven, accounting for 14 of Arkansas’ first 18 points.
Despite early struggles, St. John’s showed resilience with six offensive rebounds. Big East Most Improved Player Zuby Ejofor scored nine of the Johnnies’ first 13 points. However, foul trouble hampered St. John’s, as Simeon Wilcher and Kadary Richmond committed two fouls early, with Richmond eventually fouling out.
Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. struggled offensively, shooting 3-of-17 and staying in single digits after averaging over 18 points per game. St. John’s went 0-for-14 for over five minutes, missing nine layups and failing to break through Arkansas’ defense.
Johnnies Rally and Take Lead
Luis finally ended St. John’s drought with a bucket at 7:37. Freshman Lefteris Liotoupolous from Greece made a three-point shot on the next possession, bringing the Johnnies within three points.
The physical matchup included a flagrant foul committed by Trevon Bazile, which marked his second personal foul against Ejofor. St. John’s exploded for four points, with Ejofor finishing decisively off a screen-and-roll. Deivon Smith and Luis forced a turnover and converted on a breakaway dunk to tie the game. Smith’s layup later gave St. John’s their first lead since 18:30 of the first half, 28-27.
Arkansas regained control in the final two possessions before halftime. Boogie Fland scored acrobatically, and Zvonimir Ivisic hit a 12-foot skyhook over Ejofor, giving the Razorbacks a 35-32 lead.
St. John’s outrebounded Arkansas offensively but missed 10 easy shots near the rim. Both teams shot just 3-of-25 (12%) from three in the first half.
Ejofor scored 16 of St. John’s 32 points, dominating the paint and playing active defense. Arkansas spread the scoring, with Bazile scoring seven and Knox and Richmond III combining for 21 of 35 points.
Johnnies Fight Back Amid Foul Troubles
Foul trouble persisted for the Johnnies, as Wilcher picked up his third personal foul early in the second half. Arkansas extended its lead to 42-33, fueled by 10 points in the paint in the opening five minutes.
Aaron Scott made a key three after missing his first eight shots, cutting the deficit to eight. Arkansas responded with a Fland-to-Bazile alley-oop and a forced turnover on Luis Jr., converting to a Richmond III layup.
Ivisic fouled out with 11:58 remaining, and Richmond III picked up his fourth personal. Despite challenges, St. John’s began to rally. Ejofor made a tip shot, followed by Smith scoring six of the last eight points to reduce the gap to six.
The Johnnies got within four after a goaltending call on Richmond III. Richmond fouled out on a controversial call at 6:28, leaving St. John’s short-handed.
Razorbacks Close Out Victory
St. John’s trimmed the deficit to two after Ruben Prey’s powerful dunk, igniting the crowd. However, Arkansas regained control with a Wagner layup and Richmond III jumper, leading 72-66 with 2:14 left.
Luis Jr., St. John’s top scorer and best three-point shooter, was subbed out with 4:56 remaining and did not return. St. John’s continued struggling from deep, shooting under 15% for the game.
The Razorbacks closed out the game 75-66. This marked Calipari’s 16th Sweet 16 appearance, Arkansas’ 15th in program history, and their fourth in five seasons.
