As the NCAA March Madness 2025 tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on the showdown between the St. John's Red Storm and the Omaha Mavericks. This highly anticipated first-round matchup will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:45 p.m. ET at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. The stakes are high, with St. John's coming in as the No. 2 seed and strong favorites, while Omaha is poised to make history as it competes in its first NCAA tournament.
St. John's, under the legendary guidance of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, boasts an impressive season record of 30-4. Their journey has been nothing short of impressive, claiming both the Big East regular season and tournament championships. Riding a wave of momentum and confidence, they enter the tournament on a remarkable nine-game winning streak, including a stunning victory over Creighton in the championship game.
Leading the charge for the Red Storm is RJ Luis Jr., who stands out as a key player. Throughout the season, Luis has averaged 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, displaying both scoring prowess and defensive skills. In their recent game against Creighton, he delivered a tremendous performance with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Zuby Ejiofor also contributed significantly with 20 points in that critical match.
On the other side of the court, the 15-seed Omaha Mavericks, coached by Chris Crutchfield, have made their way into the tournament with a season record of 22-12. This marks their first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament, and they are eager to defy the odds. After being predicted to finish near the bottom of the Summit League standings, Omaha turned things around drastically, achieving a regular season championship and triumphing at the Summit League tournament. Their last victory against St. Thomas, featuring standout performances from Marquel Sutton and JJ White, solidified their place in the tournament.
“If you go in with the mindset that you’re gonna lose, you’re probably gonna lose,” said senior guard JJ White, who is a critical player for Omaha, averaging 13.7 points per game. His determination reflects the mindset that has propelled the Mavericks to this point. White, alongside his teammates, believes firmly in their chance to upset St. John's.
Omaha's coach Crutchfield acknowledges the challenge ahead, noting, “They won the Big East and the Big East is a tough, physical league. Rick Pitino is a hall of fame coach. He’s done an unbelievable job everywhere he’s been.” This recognition highlights the magnitude of the clash and the respect Omaha holds for their opponents.
As the game draws near, fans can tune in live to witness the excitement unfold. The matchup will be broadcasted on CBS and can also be streamed on platforms like Paramount+. With a sizeable spread set at 18.5 points in favor of St. John's, the odds are stacked against the Mavericks, yet the spirit of March Madness often brings unexpected surprises.
St. John's approaches this game not only as a stepping stone toward a championship but as an opportunity to showcase their strengths on national television. The team has proven itself capable of overcoming pressure situations, and the Red Storm will rely on their aggressive defensive tactics, which rank in the top 30 in the nation for steal percentage, to generate turnovers against Omaha.
In contrast, Omaha's approach involves strict adherence to their game plan. Ja’Sean Glover articulates this strategy, saying, “We approach it as we approach every other game, and that’s just executing the game plan.” With a team that has faced adversity and emerged victorious, their confidence could serve as a hidden advantage.
As the countdown ticks down towards the opening tip, both teams find themselves at a pivotal moment in their basketball journeys. For St. John's, it's a chance to solidify their status as a powerhouse in college basketball; for Omaha, it's about making history and potentially shocking the world.
The excitement of March Madness lies in its unpredictability, and with the first upset looming, fans are encouraged to tune into CBS at 9:45 p.m. ET on March 20, 2025. With everything at stake, expect this game to add yet another thrilling chapter to the legacy of the NCAA tournament.
