Dylan Darling’s Buzzer-Beater: A Moment to Remember
SAN DIEGO — Dylan Darling, a point guard from Idaho State, had been struggling. He missed 16 straight 3-point shots. Yet, with just 3.9 seconds left and his team trailing, he confidently approached Coach Rick Pitino.
“Run ‘Power,’” he said, referring to a high screen-and-roll play with Zuby Ejiofor. Pitino was surprised. Darling hadn’t scored all game, but he wanted the ball.
“Wait a second,” Pitino thought. “He wants to run a play for himself?” But there was something about Darling that made Pitino trust him.
Darling took the final shot—a layup at the buzzer. It wasn’t just any basket; it secured a 67-65 win for St. John’s against Kansas, sending them to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
“I hit the ground and didn’t even see it go in,” Darling said. “I just heard everyone going crazy!”
His teammates quickly swarmed him, celebrating his clutch performance. “If I missed, Coach P might’ve killed me,” he joked later.
St. John’s, now 30-6, is gearing up to face Duke in the next round. This success has a rich history; it marks a significant turnaround for the Johnnies, who won both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles the past two years.
Ejiofor reflected on the moment. “I wasn’t even born yet when we last reached the Sweet 16,” he said, echoing the excitement of the fans.
Darryn Peterson led Kansas with 21 points, but the Jayhawks couldn’t overcome St. John’s tenacious defense. The Red Storm forced 16 turnovers and held Kansas to just five 3-pointers.
Coach Pitino emphasized their focus and skill. “We win with our defense,” he stated. “The 3-point line is becoming invaluable for us.” St. John’s hit 11 3-pointers against Kansas and 21 total in their tournament games—a testament to their evolving game strategy.
This game was more than just a victory; it symbolized a shift for St. John’s basketball. Pitino himself has faced the Blue Devils before, losing a heartbreaker in 1992. He now hopes for a chance to reclaim that moment.
As St. John’s prepares for Duke, fans can feel the excitement building. The journey is far from over, but Darling’s shot will be remembered as a pivotal moment in this season’s history—a reminder of resilience and the thrill of college basketball.
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