Jayhawks Chase Second-Weekend Spot Against Pitino, Ejiofor, and St. John’s

San Diego will host a high-stakes second-round NCAA Tournament matchup at Viejas Arena. Kansas and St. John’s meet Sunday with a trip to Washington and a date with No. 1 seed Duke on the line.

Game snapshot

Kansas enters 24-10 overall and 12-6 in Big 12 play. St. John’s is 29-6 and 18-2 in the Big East.

The game is set for 4:15 p.m. Central on CBS. The winner advances to Capital One Arena in Washington.

Storylines and context

The Jayhawks chase a second-weekend spot against Pitino and Ejiofor’s St. John’s. Last year’s first-round exits prevented this duel.

Kansas aims to return to the tournament’s weekend two for the first time since its 2022 national title run.

St. John’s resurgence

St. John’s repeated as Big East regular-season and tournament champions. The team avenged a Feb. 25 loss to UConn in the conference final.

The Red Storm opened their NCAA run by beating Northern Iowa 79-53. They have trended toward fast, decisive starts in recent games.

Ejiofor and supporting cast

Zuby Ejiofor is the centerpiece. The senior averages 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 blocks per game.

Ejiofor won Big East player of the year and defensive player of the year honors. He is also an All-American honorable mention.

Frontcourt mate Dillon Mitchell averages 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds. Wing Bryce Hopkins adds about 13.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Kansas outlook

Kansas struggled with early shooting in its tournament opener. The Jayhawks must find rhythm from long range.

Bigs Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller will battle St. John’s size on the glass. Freshman Paul Mbiya has emerged as a useful third big.

Matchup notes

• St. John’s relies on interior strength and defense. KenPom lists them among top defenses.
• The Red Storm makes roughly seven 3-pointers per game. Their perimeter shooting volume is low.
• Pitino has experimented with lineups but started Dylan Darling at point guard since late February.

What to watch

Early-game pace matters. St. John’s has opened several games with long scoring runs. Kansas must avoid falling behind quickly.

The three-point battle could decide the outcome. If Kansas heats up from deep, they can offset St. John’s rebounding advantage.

Historically, the programs met in the 1952 national title game. Clyde Lovellette starred in that KU championship win.

Filmogaz.com will follow the game and provide updates and analysis after tip-off.