In a gripping contest during the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, the #10 Arkansas Razorbacks triumphed over #2 St. John's Red Storm with a score of 75-66 on March 22, 2025. The game featured intense moments, but it was a controversial call that left fans and analysts reeling and cast a long shadow over the outcome.
With just six minutes remaining in the first half, tension flared as Trevon Brazile of Arkansas was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul. The incident occurred when Zuby Ejiofor of St. John’s initiated contact in the paint. As Brazile pushed back during a rebound attempt following a missed shot, Ejiofor dramatically fell backward, drawing ire from Razorbacks supporters. This foul proved pivotal, as it sidelined Brazile for the duration of the half, pushing the Razorbacks into a precarious situation with another key player, Jonas Aidoo, also in foul trouble.
Easton May, a fans' sentiment echoed across social media, described the call as “HORRIBLE” and “Disgusting.” This frustration was mirrored by Fox Sports analyst Aaron Torres, who questioned the logic behind the officiating: “So, Zuby Ejiofor turns away from the play and two-handed shoved Trevon Brazile in the chest - and Brazile gets a Flagrant 1?” Many spectators shared Torres’ disbelief, characterizing the call as unfathomable given the circumstances.
As the game resumed, St. John's fought bravely to stage a comeback. Led by Deivon Smith, the Red Storm pulled within two points of Arkansas in the dying minutes but couldn't seem to overcome the lead. The turning point came with just 3:26 on the clock, when a non-foul was called on Ejiofor while St. John's trailed 66-64. On the next possession, Billy Richmond hit a jumper that extended the lead to four, leading to critical turnovers that sealed the Red Storm's fate.
Zuby Ejiofor was the standout performer for St. John's, racking up an impressive 23 points and securing 12 rebounds. However, his teammates faltered under pressure, highlighted by the team's meager shooting percentage of just 28% overall and 9.1% from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 2-of-22 from three-point range. Kadary Richmond and RJ Luis combined for a disappointing 14 points, both struggling to find their rhythm throughout the game.
The Razorbacks capitalized on St. John's misfortunes, with a balanced scoring attack pushing them to a solid victory in a game that saw them start strong. The win not only marked a significant achievement for Arkansas but also highlighted the resilient nature of the Razorbacks amidst the high-pressure environment of the tournament.
In the aftermath, fan reactions reflected a general consensus that officiating impacted the integrity of the game's outcome. John Nabors, a writer for Inside Arkansas, noted the visible frustration of head coach John Calipari: “Cal is PISSED at the officials. Not a fan of some of the shoving his players have been getting away from the ball.” This level of agitation among the Razorbacks community underscored the intense emotions that accompany March Madness.
Moreover, a debate erupted among fans and analysts regarding the quality of officiating and how it differs across games. Observers highlighted that the consistency of the calls seemed to favor St. John’s, which was a point of contention on social media, with many arguing that Arkansas did not receive an equitable whistle, escalating already heated fan dynamics.
As the clock ticked down on St. John's historic season, critics and supporters alike lamented the missed opportunities. The Red Storm concluded their campaign with a strong 31-5 record, having secured the Big East regular season and tournament titles prior to this fateful game.
This clash served as a reminder of the unpredictability of tournament basketball and the sometimes subjective nature of officiating. The Razorbacks advance further into the tournament, fueled by their win, while St. John's faces an uncertain off-season, striving to build upon an impressive season that ultimately fell short just when it mattered most.
As March Madness continues, the emotions and narratives evolve with every whistle blown. Fans are left to ponder what might have been, and as the tournament progresses, the pressure only amplifies, intensifying the drama that defines these unforgettable matchups.
