In a game packed with drama and high stakes, John Calipari’sArkansas Razorbacks upset Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm 75-66 on Saturday, bringing an end to St. John’s magical postseason run. The clash, held in front of a fervent crowd in Providence, felt like a preview of a Final Four matchup as two legendary coaches faced off for another historic time in their storied careers.
Calipari and Pitino, whose rivalry dates back to their respective Kentucky and Louisville days, added another chapter to their narrative. The win also marked Calipari’s return to the Sweet Sixteen, a stage he is no stranger to, despite entering this postseason with relatively low expectations for his 10th-seeded Razorbacks.
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For Pitino and St. John’s, the loss is especially bittersweet. The team had captured the hearts of fans, riding the wave of their Big East tournament championship into the NCAA Tournament. Pitino’s leadership has been central to the Red Storm’s resurgence over the past two seasons, but their postseason dreams were dashed by a resurgent Arkansas squad.
All the credit to the Razorbacks
Both coaches paced the sidelines in what felt like a battle of wills, with Calipari finding a way to galvanize his team despite their underdog status. The game was a reminder of Calipari’s ability to rally his players when it matters most, a skill that has cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.
The Razorbacks’ victory sends them west to San Francisco, where they will face either Drake or Texas Tech in the Sweet Sixteen. Few expected this Arkansas team to make it this far in the tournament, but Calipari has once again proven his knack for defying expectations.
As for Pitino and St. John’s, the loss stings even more, considering the history between the two coaches. The defeat at Calipari’s hands adds another layer to their rivalry, one that has defined college basketball for decades. While the Red Storm’s season ends here, Pitino’s ability to revive the program ensures that St. John’s will remain a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
