St. John's Stuns Kansas With Last-Second Layup

With four seconds on the clock and the game tied, St. John's guard Dylan Darling drove past his defender and sank the layup that sent his team to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 27 years.

The No. 4-seeded Red Storm defeated No. 5 Kansas in a nail-biting second-round game at Viejas Arena in San Diego on March 22. Darling's game-winner was his only basket of the night, but it was the only one that mattered.

"It was ugly, but we got it done," Darling said after the game. The Red Storm had controlled most of the second half, leading by 10 points with less than seven minutes remaining.

But Kansas clawed back into contention. Kansas star Darryn Peterson tied the game with two free throws with just 13 seconds left, setting up the dramatic finish.

The Jayhawks used all four of their remaining fouls to burn clock and disrupt St. John's final possession. The strategy brought the game down to four ticks on the clock, but Darling still found his opening.

Zuby Ejofor and Bryce Hopkins led St. John's scoring with 18 points each. Darling contributed four assists and two steals to go with his unforgettable game-winner.

Why This Inspires

Sometimes the biggest moments come from the most unexpected places. Darling had been scoreless all game, but when his team needed one final bucket, he delivered.

The victory marks a breakthrough for St. John's basketball after years of tournament disappointment. For Kansas, it's their fourth consecutive second-round exit, but for the Red Storm and their fans, it's a moment they've waited nearly three decades to celebrate.

Coach Rick Pitino's squad now advances to face new challenges, carrying the confidence that comes from winning when it matters most. One basket, four seconds, and 27 years of hope realized.