In a dramatic turn of events during this year’s NCAA Tournament, the storied coaching legacy of the Pitino family took center stage on March 22 and 23, 2025. The tournament, known for its unpredictability, saw legendary coach Rick Pitino's St. John's University Red Storm eliminated by the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round, while his son Richard Pitino rallied his New Mexico Lobos in a bid to carve his own path.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, St. John's faced the 10th-seeded Razorbacks in what was expected to be a pivotal matchup. The game turned into a physical battle, marking the 24th encounter between Rick Pitino and John Calipari, Arkansas’s head coach. Despite St. John's being heavily favored, entering with a 71.3% win probability according to On3, Arkansas emerged victorious with a score of 75-66.
The game showcased a fierce competition, where neither team could find their rhythm consistently. St. John's struggled on offense, shooting only 28% from the field. In the decisive fourth quarter, they made just one of their last nine attempts, with a dunk from Zuby Ejiofor being their only score as the clock ticked down. Rick Pitino acknowledged the disappointing performance after the game, expressing gratitude towards his seniors who battled through injuries all season. "Thank you seniors. Losing always hurts, but you played with torn ligaments, sprained shoulders, pulled groins and you gave us a magical run. We will always cherish our time together," Pitino stated.
Meanwhile, on March 23, 2025, Richard Pitino took the court with the New Mexico Lobos, who were determined to make their own mark in the tournament. As the 10-seed, Richard aimed to upset the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans. Although New Mexico led 31-29 at halftime, they ultimately fell short, losing 71-63, ending their journey to the Sweet 16. Despite the loss, Richard’s leadership has brought the Lobos back to back NCAA Tournament appearances since he took over in 2021.
Richard Pitino, 42, has a coaching pedigree that extends beyond his current role; he previously exhibited his skills at Florida and Minnesota before arriving in New Mexico. During his eight seasons with Minnesota, he found notable success, including an NIT Championship in 2014. Under his guidance, New Mexico even defeated Marquette 75-66 in the first round of the tournament, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level.
Like his father, Richard also experienced the competitive pressures of March Madness. In the game against Michigan State, he was spotted pacing in front of his bench, clearly focused on advancing past a formidable opponent. The elder Pitino was present at Rocket Arena, where he had a front-row seat to witness not only his son’s coaching efforts but also the culmination of a basketball journey that began years ago.
Reflecting on the significance of the matchup, Calipari remarked prior to the game, "I know St. John's is physical. But we’re physical, too." The competitive spirit mirrored the intensity of March Madness itself, as both teams fought valiantly for every point. Arkansas's game plan paid off, as they capitalized on St. John's shooting woes and relied on physicality to control the contest.
The game was marred by controversial officiating, arguably overshadowing the performance on the court. A total of 44 fouls were called throughout the matchup, leading to 27 free throw attempts for Arkansas, who converted 70.4% of them. Tensions mounted as fouls and calls became a focal point, frustrating both coaches and fans alike. The officiating's impact on the game was a topic of heated discussions among analysts and fans, indicating that contentious calls could have played a role in the game's outcome.
The pressures of the tournament were evident, and with a mix of jubilation and disappointment, the NCAA community reflected on the contrasting journeys of the Pitinos. While Rick Pitino's storied career faced a bitter end with St. John's exit, Richard Pitino was left to ponder the potential of his Lobos, who fell just short of the Sweet 16. As he assessed the season following the loss, fans looked to the future, hoping that a brighter horizon awaited his coaching endeavors.
As Arkansas marched on to face Texas Tech in the Sweet 16, their victory over Rick Pitino’s Red Storm has surely added another chapter to the rich sporting narrative woven by these elite coaches. With memories of high-stakes matchups kept alive by records and lore, the story of the Pitino family continues amid the vibrant, unpredictable landscape of March Madness, promising more thrilling encounters in seasons to come.
