PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a thrilling second-round matchup on March 22, 2025, John Calipari led the Arkansas Razorbacks to a 75-66 victory over Rick Pitino and the second-seeded St. John's team, propelling Arkansas into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Billy Richmond III stood out for the Razorbacks, contributing 16 points, while Karter Knox added 15. On the opposing side, Zuby Ejiofor shone for St. John's, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Despite a valiant effort from St. John’s, including narrowing an eight-point deficit to just two points with eight minutes remaining, the Razorbacks held on for the win.
The game was marked by a dismal shooting performance from both teams, as they combined for only four successful three-pointers out of 41 attempts. St. John's struggled particularly, shooting just 28% from the floor. After cutting Arkansas's lead to 62-60, St. John's missed their final seven three-point attempts, sealing their fate and making them the first No. 4 seed or higher to be eliminated in the tournament.
This matchup had been highly anticipated, as both Calipari and Pitino have a complex history filled with moments of respect and rivalry. Earlier during the tournament, Pitino had described Calipari as a “great coach,” but their sportsmanship did not diminish the intensity of their competition on the court.
The roots of their rivalry can be traced back to years of competing for recruits and prestigious coaching positions. Pitino notably recommended Calipari for the coaching role at UMass, reportedly writing a $5,000 check to assist with Calipari's initial salary. Over the years, however, they’ve faced off numerous times, with Calipari now holding a slight 3-2 edge in NCAA Tournament matchups against Pitino-led teams.
The game also had personal ties for some players. Arkansas guard D.J. Wagner, who has shown unwavering loyalty to Calipari, expressed his excitement about playing against Pitino, who recruited his father. "It would be an honor to share the court with both of them," Wagner shared, emphasizing the significance of being a part of March Madness.
Despite his connections to the Pitino legacy, Wagner chose to align with Calipari, highlighting the importance of familial ties and legacy in sports. His father, Dejuan Wagner, was a prominent player under Calipari at Memphis and has continued to influence his son’s career path.
Calipari’s decision to create a space on his roster for Wagner’s brother, Kareem Watkins, further solidifies the generational loyalty that has shaped Arkansas basketball as numerous players from Calipari’s former environments join the program.
The Razorbacks' coaching staff is capitalizing on this sense of loyalty and history, bringing in players connected to Calipari's past while seeking to uphold Arkansas's strong NCAA pedigree. His track record of developing future pros, evident in the likes of Dejuan and D.J. Wagner, is paying off as the Razorbacks continue to advance in the tournament.
As Arkansas prepares for the next round, they’ll face the winner of the Texas Tech versus Drake matchup, scheduled later that evening. This journey to the Sweet 16 reflects the dedication of Calipari to build a new legacy with the Razorbacks, melding rich histories with a bright future.
This victory not only advances Calipari toward further milestones in his lengthy coaching career but also fortifies Arkansas's 2024-2025 NCAA campaign. The team’s combined efforts and strategic gameplay will be crucial as they look to capitalize on this momentum heading into the next phase of the tournament.
Brimming with potential, the Razorbacks will seek to establish dominance moving forward while shifting the narrative surrounding their famed coach and the storied rivalry with Pitino.
