No. 5 St. John’s Stuns No. 4 Kansas, 67–65, in NCAA Tournament East Region Second Round

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 22, 2026) — In a tense NCAA Tournament East Region Second Round matchup, No. 5 St. John’s (30–6) (entering the game: 29–6) knocked off No. 4 Kansas (24–11) (entering the game: 24–10), 67–65, Sunday evening at Viejas Arena. With the win, the Red Storm advance to the Sweet 16 to face No. 1 Duke.

How St. John’s Won It

Kansas was the more efficient team from the floor, shooting 44.4% (24-for-54) compared to St. John’s 36.2% (25-for-69). (These are the game box-score figures as listed in the stats summary provided.) But St. John’s created its edge where tournament games often swing: the three-point line.

The Red Storm hit 11 threes (11-for-35), while Kansas made five (5-for-14). That difference in made threes provided the scoring cushion St. John’s needed in a game that never opened up.

Forward Zuby Ejiofor led St. John’s with 18 points (6-of-14 FG) and 9 rebounds, giving the Red Storm a steady interior presence to pair with their perimeter shot-making. Kansas was paced by Darryn Peterson, who finished with 21 points.

Kansas also held advantages in the paint and on the glass, outscoring St. John’s 36–28 in points in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 44–36. The Jayhawks got to the line more often and converted at a higher rate, going 12-for-17 (70.6%) at the stripe, while St. John’s went 6-for-11 (54.5%). Still, Kansas couldn’t fully capitalize because St. John’s kept answering with perimeter makes and defensive stops.

Defense, Pressure, and Tournament Toughness

St. John’s brought consistent pressure defensively, finishing with 9 steals and 3 blocks. Kansas had its own rim protection (9 blocks) and forced mistakes at times, but the Red Storm’s ability to generate key possessions—and convert from deep—kept them in control when it mattered most.

Turnovers were nearly even (St. John’s 8, Kansas 9), and while Kansas scored more points off turnovers (18–7), St. John’s shot-making from outside helped neutralize those bursts.

Closing Time

Down the stretch, the game tightened into a one-possession battle. Kansas had opportunities to flip it late, but St. John’s executed cleaner in the biggest moments—getting a crucial stop, securing rebounds, and knocking down the shots that decided a two-point finish.

Final: St. John’s 67, Kansas 65In the East Region Second Round, St. John’s proved that efficiency isn’t everything in March. Toughness, defense, and timely threes were enough to send the Red Storm on to a Sweet 16 showdown with No. 1 Duke.