Arkansas punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 with a 75-66 victory over St. John’s in a game where shooting struggles plagued the Red Storm from start to finish. John Calipari’s Razorbacks executed their game plan effectively, controlling the tempo and making key plays down the stretch.
St. John’s came into the game known for its aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, but Arkansas handled the pressure well, limiting turnovers and forcing the Red Storm into tough shots. St. John’s, which had been shooting well in the tournament, simply couldn’t find the basket in this one. They missed open looks, struggled from beyond the arc, and never found a rhythm offensively. Arkansas capitalized, using its length and athleticism to contest shots and dominate the boards.
The Razorbacks got a balanced scoring effort, with their backcourt leading the way. Their ability to get to the free-throw line and convert was a major factor in keeping St. John’s at arm’s length. Defensively, they packed the paint, cutting off driving lanes and forcing the Red Storm into jump shots that weren’t falling.
St. John’s made a late push, but Arkansas had an answer each time. The Red Storm’s shooting woes—particularly from three-point range—were too much to overcome. Arkansas now moves on to the Sweet 16, a big statement in Calipari’s first season in Fayetteville. While this wasn’t the prettiest win, it was the kind of gritty performance that can carry a team deep into March.
For St. John’s, this loss stings, especially after an impressive run to get here. But Arkansas was the better team today, and Calipari has the Razorbacks believing as they continue their tournament journey.
