In a stunning March Madness upset, the 10th-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the No. 2 seed St. John’s Red Storm 75–66 on March 22, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island. This victory propelled Arkansas into the Sweet 16, marking their fourth appearance in the regional semifinals in the past five years.
Despite a challenging start to the season, Arkansas, under the leadership of coach John Calipari, showcased resilience. The Razorbacks overcame early-season injuries and a 0–5 record in Southeastern Conference play to secure a spot in the tournament. Calipari described the season as “as rewarding as a year I’ve had, based on how far we’ve come”.
Key performances included Billy Richmond III, who contributed 16 points and nine rebounds, and Karter Knox, who added 15 points. The Razorbacks’ defense was also pivotal, with seven blocked shots and a crucial stretch where St. John’s missed six consecutive three-point attempts.
In contrast, St. John’s struggled offensively, shooting only 28% from the field and making just one of their last nine shots. Coach Rick Pitino acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating, “You hate to see us play like that offensively”
Looking ahead, Arkansas is set to face the winner of the Texas Tech vs. Drake game in the next round, aiming to continue their impressive tournament run.
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