Written By Chad Washington

Providence – RI – This afternoon, we had a high-profile game between St. Johns and Arkansas. This one featured two of college hoops’ best coaches, Rick Pitino and John Calipari.

The Razorbacks gunned out to a 14-6 lead but the Red Storm gained momentum off of two putbacks and a fast break and-1. Both teams weren’t able to hit much to start. Bis East Player of The Year RJ Luis started 0-7, and Arkansas’ DJ Wagner started 1-7. At the under-twelve timeout, St Johns was shooting 25% from the field, while Arkansas was shooting only 31%.

The offensive struggles continued for St. Johns as they had no FG for over six game minutes. Late in the first half they found a spark from a Trevon Brazile flagrant foul, shortly after this the Red Storm took a 28-27 lead.

After a 7-0 run to end the half, The Hogs led 35-32.

The second half was a dogfight with a lot of close calls and fouls. Arkansas held a 68-64 lead when DJ Wagner hit a clutch layup to put them up 6. RJ Luis, who was 3-17 was benched down the stretch.

The Red Storm were lucky to get a missed free throw and an out-of-bounds call to get possession with :28 down six. They were able to get a quick two-pointer but free throws by Arkansas sealed it.

A great game with tons of heart from both teams and two hall of fame coaches, ends in Arkansas advancing.

The teams finished a combined 4-41 from deep.

Arkansas’ Billy Richmond led the team in scoring with a career high of 16, Karter Knox with 15 and Johnell Davis had 13.

Zuby Ejiofor had 23 for the Red Storm

Arkansas pulls off a big win and is set to face the winner of Drake/Texas Tech at Chase Center in San Francisco in the Sweet Sixteen.