Rick Pitino is once again making headlines in college basketball as he leads the St. John's Red Storm to the NCAA Tournament following their Big East Championship win over the Creighton Bluejays. This marks Pitino's first tournament appearance with St. John's and his historical sixth different program to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, solidifying his legacy as the only Division I men's basketball coach to achieve such a feat. Under his leadership since 2023, St. John's has transformed dramatically, now holding the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament's West Region.
Before commencing their tournament run, St. John's captured the Big East title, cruising to victory over Creighton, which showcased their rigorous preparation throughout the season. Pitino expressed his delight over this achievement, stating, "Rick Pitino is the first Division I men's basketball head coach to lead 6 different programs to the NCAA Tournament (Boston, Providence, Kentucky, Louisville, Iona, St. John's)," according to Corey Price from UK Sports Network. The Red Storm finished with strong momentum, riding high on a nine-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Omaha Mavericks also carved their path to the NCAA Tournament by triumphing at the Summit League Tournament on March 9, 2025. With their victory against the St. Thomas Tommies, which was particularly notable as the Tommies were still transitioning to Division I status and were ineligible for the tournament, Omaha emerged victorious, securing their own spot with their dynamic play. Key to their success was JJ White, who scored 29 points against St. Thomas, shooting 10-of-14 from the field, and demonstrating precision beyond the arc at 3-of-5.
Omaha’s player roster includes standout Marquel Sutton, who is the Summit League's Player of the Year. He has greatly impressed this season, averaging over 19 points and 8 rebounds per game. Marquel's physical presence at 6-foot-8 has been pivotal, as he becomes one of only seven players nationally to achieve those averages. Yet, he faced challenges; earlier this season, he was held to just three points against Iowa State, which served as clear evidence of the difficulties faced against top-tier competition.
The Mavericks' depth extends beyond just Sutton and White. Tony Osburn has emerged as another strong option, successfully connecting on 40.4% of his three-point attempts this season. His most notable performance was during the Summit League semifinal, where he netted 30 points, with 8-of-9 shooting from beyond the three-point line. Despite lacking the raw size typically seen at this level—none taller than 6-foot-9—Omaha prides itself on continuity, with its top three scorers having spent the last three years developing together under the coaching staff.
Heading to their first-round matchup against St. John's on March 20, 2025, at Amica Mutual Pavilion, Omaha faces the uphill challenge of reversing their fortunes against the strong Red Storm team. The game is set to tip off at 9:45 p.m. ET, airing on CBS. Currently, St. John’s is favored by 18.5 points, which only emphasizes the disparity between the two teams' performances this season. Betting odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook have St. John's at -3000 on the moneyline, whereas Omaha stands at +1200. Predictive models have St. John's win probability at 96%, with Omaha at merely 4%, as reported by Dimers. Experts from the Arizona Republic envision the game closing out with St. John’s triumphing 83-63.
FOX Sports predicts St. John’s will score 83 points to Omaha's 66, reitering the defensive prowess the Red Storm have this season. St. John's leading defense, according to KenPom, has become its defining feature. Pitino’s squad has successfully cultivated its reputation for high-pressure defense and dominant rebounding, which generates second-chance opportunities and disrupts opponents' rhythm.
While St. John's has its eyes set firmly on continuation toward the tournament glory, Omaha stands ready for this monumental occasion. With both teams now part of the NCAA's esteemed tournament bracket, the excitement among fans and players alike promises to deliver thrilling basketball action. With the combination of Pitino’s storied history and Omaha's underdog momentum, March Madness undoubtedly lives up to its reputation for unexpected turns and dramatic outcomes—it remains to be seen whether the Red Storm will extend their season or if the Mavericks can pull off the upset of the tournament.
