In a dramatic second-round matchup on March 22, 2025, Arkansas secured a pivotal victory over St. John's with a final score of 75-66 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI. This game not only showcased the talent on both teams but also ignited a wave of controversy surrounding the officiating.
The focus of criticism came in the second half, particularly when Kadary Richmond of St. John's was fouled out of the game. Just under seven minutes remained when Richmond, attempting to guard Arkansas's Karter Knox, was whistled for a foul. CBS analyst Steve Lappas was quick to voice his disagreement, stating, “That’s not a foul. I’m sorry. That’s a no-call.” This sentiment echoed throughout the arena as the crowd reacted uncertainly to the foul calls that seemed to come at an unprecedented rate.
Earlier in the half, another contentious whistle drew ire from fans when Zuby Ejiofor of St. John's was penalized while boxing out for a rebound after Arkansas's Dajuan Wagner Jr. missed a three-pointer. Again, Lappas lamented, “Wow! In this kinda game, I’m sorry, that’s not a good call.” With 11:58 remaining, the discrepancy in fouls was stark—Arkansas's Zvonimir Ivisic fouled out, contributing to a total of 16 fouls called in just this half.
This criticism intensified as commentators noted that by the 4:56 mark of the game, 39 fouls had been called, much to the chagrin of basketball purists craving smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. Lappas noted how the referees had ruined the experience, saying, “They’ve gotten basically 40 calls wrong. No one wants to watch a free throw contest. We just want to watch basketball.” The emphasis on the officiating overshadowed what could have been a classic rivalry showdown, given the storied coaching legacies of Rick Pitino at St. John's and Eric Musselman at Arkansas.
The Red Storm entered this game with an impressive record of 31-4 after securing their first NCAA Tournament win in 25 years against Omaha in the previous round. Coach Pitino had emphasized the challenges posed by Arkansas's size and speed prior to the game: “We’re going to have to play the best game of the season to beat a team like this — we know that. They’re very, very big, athletic.” Despite the expectations, St. John's struggled to find their rhythm against a robust Arkansas defense.
Richmond's foul trouble significantly hampered St. John's momentum, as it forced him off the court during critical game stretches. He needed to dictate the pace of the game, particularly against a team known for forcing turnovers into fast-break opportunities. Having received just limited playing time due to fouls, Richmond's contributions were missed, and many wondered if the outcome could have been different had he remained on the court.
As the final whistle blew, the score indicated Arkansas's strength, but the narrative of the game regarding officials left a bitter aftertaste. St. John's, despite their best efforts, fell short in their quest for a Sweet 16 spot, putting an end to their tournament run for the season. Fans and analysts alike were left to ponder the implications of the officiating on the game, with many calling for a reevaluation of how such games are managed.
With the loss, St. John's head into the offseason with many questions ahead. The performance highlighted their capability to compete on significant stages but raised concerns about sustaining that level against elite athletes from high-profile programs. As teams prepare for the next season with recruitment and training, the lessons from this playoff battle will undoubtedly shape the future strategies and expectations for the Red Storm.
As for Arkansas, this victory not only advances them further in the NCAA tournament but also serves as a reminder of their depth and resilience under pressure. The Razorbacks look ahead with a sense of achievement, underscoring their performance with confidence as they aim for deeper tournament runs in future rounds.
Ultimately, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard, this game will be remembered for the conversations it sparked around officiating, the controversy of pivotal calls, and the determination of two historic programs clashing on a national stage.
