St. John’s Advances to Sweet 16 After Dramatic Buzzer-Beating Win Over Kansas

The St. John’s Red Storm delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the NCAA Tournament’s second round, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks 67–65 to advance to the Sweet 16. The win capped off a competitive game that saw momentum swing late in the second half.

St. John’s had built a double-digit lead in the closing minutes, appearing to be in control with under eight minutes remaining. However, Kansas responded with a determined rally, erasing the deficit and setting up a tense finish in the final moments of regulation.

The game ultimately came down to the final possession, where Dylan Darling hit a buzzer-beating shot to secure the victory. The basket sent St. John’s into the next round and marked one of the defining moments of their tournament run.

With the win, St. John’s reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, extending a postseason run that has been defined by resilience, timely execution, and balanced contributions across the roster.

1. Late-Game Rally and Buzzer-Beater Finish

St. John’s appeared poised to close out the game comfortably after establishing a 13-point lead late in the second half. Their defensive pressure and rebounding helped control much of the game’s tempo through the middle stages. Kansas, however, mounted a steady comeback behind increased defensive intensity and efficient scoring possessions. The Jayhawks chipped away at the deficit, eventually tying the game and putting pressure on St. John’s in the closing moments. As the clock wound down, both teams had opportunities to seize control, but neither could fully break away. The final possession became the decisive moment, with St. John’s executing just enough to create a scoring chance at the buzzer. Darling’s game-winning shot capped the sequence, giving St. John’s a narrow victory and preserving their tournament hopes. The result highlighted the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where late-game execution often determines outcomes.

2. Key Contributions from St. John’s Leaders

While Dylan Darling delivered the decisive basket, St. John’s relied on strong performances from multiple players to build and maintain its lead. Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins were central to the team’s overall production. Ejiofor led the team with 18 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal. His presence on both ends of the floor provided stability in the paint and contributed to St. John’s control of key stretches in the game. Hopkins also scored 18 points, complementing Ejiofor’s output with seven rebounds, an assist, and two steals. His versatility allowed St. John’s to maintain offensive balance while continuing to pressure Kansas defensively. Although Darling finished with just two points on the night and shot 1-for-5 from the field, his contributions included four assists and two steals in limited minutes. His ability to remain composed in a high-pressure moment ultimately proved decisive despite a modest statistical line.

3. Kansas Effort Falls Just Short

Kansas received strong individual performances that helped fuel its second-half comeback. Darryn Peterson led the way with 21 points, playing a key role in narrowing the gap and keeping the Jayhawks within striking distance. Peterson also contributed four rebounds and four blocks, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. His defensive presence and scoring ability were instrumental in Kansas’ push to tie the game late in regulation. Melvin Council Jr. added 15 points, along with nine rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal. His all-around performance supported Kansas’ efforts to sustain its comeback and challenge St. John’s down the stretch. Despite the strong individual efforts, Kansas was unable to complete the rally. The narrow loss ended their tournament run, while St. John’s advanced, maintaining its momentum heading into a Sweet 16 matchup against Duke Blue Devils in Washington, D.C. on Friday.