PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The NCAA Tournament continues with a series of exciting second-round matchups on Saturday, March 22, 2025, igniting hopes for fans and players alike. Among the standout games, the Arkansas Razorbacks will meet the St. John's Red Storm, an encounter that promises to be intense.
The Arkansas Razorbacks, the #10 seed, hold a season record of 21-13, while the #2 seed, St. John's Red Storm, sits at an impressive 31-3. This showdown marks a continuation of a storied rivalry between two legendary coaches, John Calipari of the Razorbacks and Rick Pitino of the Red Storm, both of whom are Naismith Hall of Famers.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:40 PM ET (1:40 PM CT) at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, which boasts a capacity of 11,648 spectators. Fans can tune in to the action on CBS as these teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16.
This matchup has historical significance as Arkansas seeks to avenge previous NCAA Tournament encounters. The teams have met thrice in tournament history, with St. John's winning the first clash 68-65 in 1985 and Arkansas claiming victory 80-74 in 1993. Remarkably, each coach holds a balanced record against the other; Calipari currently leads Pitino with 13 wins against 10 losses in their 23 college matchups. Both coaches have also faced each other six times in the NBA, each securing three wins.
Further adding to the stakes, the winner of this contest will proceed to the Sweet 16 and compete in the West Region semifinals in San Francisco next week. It will be a crucial step toward the ultimate goal of achieving a prestigious NCAA championship.
Arkansas comes into this game riding high after a thrilling first-round victory over Kansas. Notably, Johnell Davis impressed with four three-pointers in that match, marking his achievement of hitting a three-pointer in 100 consecutive games. Earlier in the season, Davis had made only 4 total three-pointers in his first six NCAA tournament games combined, showcasing his development and importance to the team.
In addition to Davis, Trevon Brazile has emerged as a key player for the Razorbacks, achieving four double-doubles over the last five games. This surge has propelled Arkansas to capture momentum as they work toward their objective of advancing in the tournament.
Meanwhile, another story unfolds at the same venue, highlighting the journey of McNeese State manager Amir Khan. Known for his viral presence and energy, Khan has made headlines during this NCAA Tournament as the first known basketball manager to receive an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal. His rise to fame reached new heights as McNeese State players wore T-shirts featuring Khan’s name and image during their recent game against Purdue.
On March 22, Khan was seen interacting with filmmaker Spike Lee during the Cowboys’ game against Purdue, further elevating his profile as a social media persona in the sports world. The McNeese cheerleading squad also donned shirts featuring Khan, celebrating the manager's influence on the team's Cinderella story after they achieved their first-ever NCAA tournament victory by upsetting Clemson.
“It’s crazy. Because I never would have imagined this would have ever happened,” Khan remarked, expressing his gratitude for the support he has received from the team and fans. “Seeing them wearing it means a lot to me.”
As March Madness unfolds, these stories encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. Saturday's matchups serve not only as critical competitive moments for the teams involved but also as personal milestones for the individuals like Khan who are redefining roles within college basketball.
In addition to the Arkansas vs. St. John's game, fans can look forward to other exciting matchups throughout the day. The second round features games between Purdue and McNeese at 12:10 PM ET, Texas A&M against Michigan at 5:15 PM ET, and Texas Tech opposing Drake at 6:10 PM ET, among others.
With both heart-stopping moments and history-making narratives, the NCAA tournament continues to capture the essence of college basketball, bringing together fans, teams, and memorable stories that will be retold for years to come.
