The Long-Awaited Showdown Between Rick Pitino and Bill Self Has Finally Arrived SAN DIEGO — Rick Pitino and Bill Self, two of college basketball’s most storied coaches, are set to face off in a high-stakes NCAA tournament matchup. Pitino, with 1,231 career games under his belt, and Self, who has coached 1,126 games, have never met in a meaningful contest until now. Their only previous encounter occurred in November 2021, when Pitino was at mid-major Iona and Self was leading Kansas toward a national championship. The Jayhawks won that game by 13 points, marking the first of many challenges for Pitino in his quest to reclaim his former glory. This time, the stakes are higher. Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm (29–6), seeded No. 5 in the East region, and Self’s Kansas Jayhawks (24–10), seeded No. 4, are both vying for a Sweet 16 berth. A victory for either would position them to challenge top seed Duke in the next round. The matchup is significant not only for its competitive implications but also for its historical context, as both coaches are in the latter stages of their careers and seeking one last March Madness run. Pitino, 73, has maintained a consistent coaching style since his early days, blending defensive intensity with strategic adaptability. His teams are known for their relentless pressure, whether through zone schemes, man-to-man tactics, or exploiting the three-point line. Self, 63, has faced health challenges in recent years, including heart-related issues that forced him to miss games in 2023, 2025, and January. Despite these setbacks, he remains a dominant force at Kansas, where he has built a legacy of consistency and resilience. Both coaches have navigated the fallout from the FBI’s 2017 college basketball corruption investigation.#rick_pitino #kansas_jayhawks #bill_self #zuby_ejiofor #st_johns_red_storm
NCAA Tournament Player Props: Picks for Zuby Ejiofor, Braden Smith & Tarris Reed for Friday On the first full day of NCAA Tournament action, several standout performances emerged, with players like Tyler Tanner, Terence Hill Jr., and Morez Johnson leading the way. For Friday’s games, the focus shifts to a pair of Big East big men who have been dominant throughout the season, along with Braden Smith, whose potential for a historic night may still result in an underperforming stat line. Here’s a breakdown of the key player props for Friday’s first-round matchups. Zuby Ejiofor is set to face Northern Iowa in a matchup that favors his offensive skills. Ejiofor, a First-Team All-Big East selection and recipient of the Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards, has been a consistent scorer, averaging 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His recent form has been exceptional, with 18 points in each of his past five games and an average of 20.6 points over that stretch. St. John’s, which has won 19 of its last 20 games, enters the tournament with a strong offensive identity. While the team is not known for its three-point shooting, head coach Rick Pitino may prioritize inside scoring, which should benefit Ejiofor. Northern Iowa’s defense ranks third nationally in three-point shooting allowed but struggles against two-pointers, making this a favorable matchup for Ejiofor. The pick leans toward him exceeding 17.5 points. Braden Smith, a consensus First-Team All-American, is poised to make history by becoming the NCAA’s all-time assist leader. However, his prop line for Friday’s game against Queens NC may be too high. Smith averages nine assists per game but has stayed under 10.5 assists in 71% of his games this season.#st_johns #zuby_ejiofor #braden_smith #northern_university #tarris_reed
St. John's vs. Northern Iowa odds, March Madness predictions: 2026 NCAA Tournament picks by proven model The 12-seed Northern Iowa Panthers will face the 5-seed St. John's Red Storm in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament’s East Region on Friday. The matchup, set for 7:10 p.m. ET at the Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl in San Diego, pits Northern Iowa (23-12) against St. John's (28-6). Northern Iowa secured its spot in the tournament by winning the MVC Tournament as the lowest seed in the event’s history, defeating UIC 84-69 in the championship. St. John's claimed the Big East regular-season title and conference tournament, with standout player Zuby Ejiofor averaging 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. St. John's enters the game as a 10.5-point favorite in the latest odds, with the total points scored projected at 132.5. The Panthers have won their last five games, while the Red Storm have won 19 of their last 20 contests. The model’s analysis highlights key matchups, with Northern Iowa’s four players expected to score 10 points or more, including Trey Campbell projected for 15 points. St. John's is predicted to have three players scoring 12 points or more, led by Ejiofor, who is expected to contribute 16 points. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has demonstrated strong performance with a 28-22 record on top-rated college basketball picks, simulated the game 10,000 times. The model’s latest prediction favors the over on the total points, with an 81% chance of the total exceeding 131.5. This aligns with Northern Iowa’s recent trend of games going over the total, despite St. John's strong defensive reputation. The Red Storm’s offensive output during the Big East Tournament run, averaging 78.3 points per game, also supports the over projection.#zuby_ejiofor #sportsline_projection_model #st_johns_red_storm #northern_university #trey_campbell
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament: 68 Names to Know Heading Into March Madness The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to begin, featuring a roster of standout players and coaches poised to make their mark. From freshman phenoms to veteran leaders, the 2026 field is packed with talent, offering fans a chance to witness historic moments. Here’s a breakdown of the key players and coaches to watch as the tournament kicks off. Cameron Boozer of Duke stands out as the most dominant player in college basketball this season. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound freshman averages 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading the No. 1-seeded Blue Devils. His performance has positioned him as the favorite for the Wooden and Naismith Awards, with the potential to guide Duke to its first national championship in 11 years. Bruce Thornton of Ohio State is another standout, serving as the Buckeyes’ all-time leading scorer. His ability to score from beyond the arc and overpower smaller defenders makes him a game-changer. Thornton’s consistency over four years at his school highlights his durability and skill. Zuby Ejiofor of St. John’s is a key reason the Red Storm, a 5-seed, is considered a threat. The 6-foot-9 senior big man leads the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and blocks. His physical style and finishing ability could carry St. John’s far in the tournament. Darryn Peterson of Kansas remains a mystery due to his inconsistent availability. While his potential as an NBA All-Star is evident in flashes, questions about his health and readiness for the Big Dance linger. A strong performance in the tournament could determine whether Kansas makes a deep run. Dominique Daniels Jr. of Cal Baptist is a scoring machine, averaging 23.2 points per game.#ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #darryn_peterson #cameron_boozers #bruce_thornton #zuby_ejiofor
