The second round of the 2026 Men’s March Madness is buzzing, especially for St. John’s. After 27 long years, they’re back in the Sweet 16. It was an unexpected star who sparked their winning moment — a player with no points on the board moments before the game ended.
With just 3.9 seconds left and the score tied, the pressure was on. Player Darling suggested to coach Rick Pitino, “Let’s run ‘Power.’” Despite his shooting slump, he knew they had to drive straight to the basket. Pitino was taken aback but agreed. Darling executed the play perfectly, his heart racing as he felt the crowd roar after his shot sank. “I didn’t even see it go in,” he said. “I just heard everyone going crazy.”
That shot meant more than just a win. It was a symbol of hope for a program that had suffered for decades. Since 1999, St. John’s has struggled, having only winning records in a handful of seasons. They’ve cycled through six coaches, leaving fans feeling lost. But now, with Pitino at the helm, the team has a renewed sense of purpose and belief.
“This means a lot to Johnnies Nation,” said star Zuby Ejiofor, emphasizing how significant this moment is for everyone involved. It’s not just about winning; it’s about legacy.
The game itself was chaotic, filled with missed shots and close calls. For Kansas, this marked a fourth straight season without a Sweet 16 appearance, a stark contrast to St. John’s struggles. The players pushed through tough moments, including long stretches without scoring.
Pitino has been encouraging his team to take more outside shots. Bryce Hopkins delivered on that front, nailing 6 of 9 three-pointers when it mattered most. “I’m a good shooter,” he said confidently. “If they don’t respect that, it’s on them.”
Even as the buzzer-beater secured the win, Pitino remained calm. He’s been through these high-stakes moments before. He focused on the game and not the emotional weight of the win. “I’ve experienced both the joy of winning and the heartache of losing,” he noted. There’s still much work to be done.
As fans in red celebrated, a new chapter began for St. John’s. The victories ahead could signal the team’s return to greatness. “This was the final for me, to get St. John’s to the next level,” Pitino said, signaling his ambitious goals. The future looks bright with more potential on the horizon.
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St. John's Red Storm, Kansas Jayhawks, Men's College Basketball
