Two Hall of Famers. One crucial showdown. For the first time since 2014, Rick Pitino and John Calipari face off in the Big Dance. Two teams who have had contrasting seasons are battling for a spot in the Sweet 16. It’s St. John’s vs. Arkansas this time.
Pitino has worked his magic once again with the Red Storm, making it his 6th program to secure a spot in the March Madness. With a 31-4 season, no.1 defense in the country, and nine straight wins, St. John’s will head into the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence as the overwhelming favorites to come away with a win. But Pitino isn’t taking Arkansas lightly.
“We have not seen this size and athleticism all year,” Pitino said after their thumping win over Omaha in the first round. “Creighton has a 7-2 center but athleticism-wise, we have not seen this this year. We know what we’re up against, obviously. They had a lot of injuries, that’s why they opened up 0-5. I don’t know where they finished in the SEC… eighth or ninth. I’m glad we’re not in the SEC. That talent level in that conference is amazing to me.”
And rightfully so. Arkansas isn’t a team to be taken lightly. After starting SEC play 0-5 in Calipari’s first season, they rallied back to win 10 of their last 16 games. The Razorbacks became the 4th team in the last 20 years to win an NCAA Tournament game after a five-game losing streak in conference play. And what a win that was! Coach Cal had to defeat Hall of Famer Bill Self to set up the game with Pitino. Here’s a look into St. John’s vs Arkansas for Saturday’s game.
Injury report as Pitino’s St John’s take on Arkansas
After battling injuries all season long, Arkansas got a big boost last game. Freshman guard Boogie Fland returned to face Kansas after a long spell on the sidelines. But they still missed a key piece– Adou Thiero. The Razorbacks’ lead scorer hasn’t played since getting injured against Missouri in late February. Now that seems to be changing soon too.
Dec 7, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3) drives towards the basket during the second half against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Bud Walton Arena.Arkansas won 75-60. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
Thiero’s status has been upgraded following the win against the Jayhawks! According to CBB insider Jon Rothstein, Arkansas head coach John Calipari said Thiero “might” suit up for tomorrow’s matchup against St. John’s.
Among the Red Storm, aside from the usual absentees Jaiden Glover and Brady Dunlap, Rick Pitino will have a full squad available for their Round of 32. Aaron Scott, despite dealing with a thumb injury, will continue to play. Here’s who could start the game:
Projected Lineups
Arkansas Razorbacks
1 Johnell Davis
4 Trevon Brazile
9 Jonas Aidoo
11 Karter Knox
21 D.J. Wagner
St John’s Red Storm
0 Aaron Scott
1 Kadary Richmond
7 Simeon Wilcher
12 RJ Luis
24 Zuby Ejiofor
Prediction for the March madness game between Arkansas and St John’s
Arkansas’s lack of depth could be a major concern in this matchup. While they have been shorthanded all season, Pitino’s relentless defense is going to pay no heed. Offensively, the Razorbacks must focus on getting to the rim. They’re at their best when attacking the basket, making 70.6 percent of their points in the paint. Fortunately for Arkansas, St. John’s has allowed nearly 59 percent of opponents’ points close to the basket.
Johnnies are also good at attacking the rim but their offense mainly revolves around three players–RJ Luis (18.4 ppg), Zuby Ejiofor (14.6 ppg), and Kadary Richmond (12.7 ppg). If Coach Cal manages to get his defensive plays right, it could spell trouble for Pitino and co.
The biggest issue for St John’s is their 3 point shooting. They average just 30% from beyond the arc. Both offenses aren’t exactly world-beaters. It’s all about defense in this one. And here’s where St. John’s has the upper hand. They force 15.6 turnovers per game and don’t allow clean looks. Arkansas, on the other hand, have been turnover-prone, giving it away 11.7 times per game.
According to ESPN, the Johnnies are the overwhelming favorites to come away with a win. They give Rick Pitino’s side a 71% chance of winning. With the defense the Johnnies have, it’s easy to see why they’re favored. But Calipari isn’t gonna back down easily. Coach Cal has a 13-9 record against Pitino, 8-2 of that has been during his time at Kentucky. He knows how to win against Pitino and the game ahead promises to be a blockbuster. Don’t miss the action! Tune in to CBS at 2:40 pm ET on Saturday to watch these two Hall of Famers go head-to-head!
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