It's time for St. John's to take the court in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The No. 2 seed St. John's Red Storm is set to clash with the No. 15 seed Omaha Mavericks on Thursday night, March 20, 2025, at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
This highly anticipated matchup is part of the West Region bracket of this year's tournament and marks a significant moment for both teams. St. John's heads into this game with a stellar record, having won nine straight contests and 19 of their last 20 games. Their current momentum is buoyed by their recent triumph in the Big East Championship, where they defeated the Creighton Bluejays 82-66 on March 15. This victory not only secured the conference title but also marked the first time St. John's has claimed the Big East crown in 25 years, a testament to the program's resurgence under head coach Rick Pitino, who is in his second season at the helm.
The Red Storm will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on their success as they aim for their first-ever national championship and the deepest run in March Madness since their storied appearance in the Final Four back in 1985.
The stakes are high for Omaha, who received an automatic bid to the tournament after clinching the Summit League title on March 9. The Mavericks have also been performing well, boasting a six-game winning streak, which includes decisive victories in their conference tournament, highlighted by a 25-point victory against South Dakota in the championship game.
As for the logistics of the game, it will be broadcast live on CBS and will also be available for streaming through the NCAA March Madness Live app and services like Fubo and Sling TV, which is offering a free trial. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:45 p.m. with an announcer lineup featuring Andrew Catalon, Stevn Lappas, and Evan Washburn.
According to odds from BetMGM, St. John's enters the game with an impressive outlook: they are favored with a spread of -18.5, while Omaha is positioned at +18.5. The over/under is set at 147.5 points. The moneyline reflects the Red Storm strongly as well, at -3000, compared to Omaha's +1500.
This matchup is particularly intriguing given the contrasting trajectories of both programs this season. St. John's has seen a remarkable turnaround, a journey that fans and players alike hope culminates in a championship run. For Omaha, this is a time to shine on a big stage, showing they can compete with the best and make a mark in the national spotlight.
The excitement surrounding March Madness amplifies as schools and fans from across the country rally behind their teams. The Red Storm's resurgence under Pitino has rekindled memories of their historic legacy, and there’s a sense of community and pride among their supporters as they prepare for battle against Omaha.
While St. John's has earned a reputation for its strong offensive play, characterized by scoring bursts and high energy, Omaha is arriving with the confidence of an underdog, having proven their grit throughout their conference tournament. Can the Red Storm continue their strong performance, or will the Mavericks pull off an upset? This game promises to deliver tension and excitement as both teams pursue their ultimate goal.
As tip-off approaches, the college basketball world is poised to witness the drama that only March Madness can deliver. It's not just a game; it's a culmination of hard work, passion, and the sheer thrill that comes with tournament basketball.
Fans are reminded to tune in tonight to catch all the action as St. John's looks for a statement victory against Omaha in the NCAA Tournament opener. Will history be made? Only time will tell as these teams battle it out for a chance at advancing further into the tournament.
