For the first time since 1999, St. John’s will head to the Sweet 16 — and it took last-second heroics from Dylan Darling to make it happen.
It wasn’t easy or as simple as a double-digit lead in the second half, one that reached 14 points at its peak, might suggest.
Kansas cut its deficit to three points with just over two minutes remaining, then one with just under two minutes remaining, then tied it and then kept fouling to make sure St. John’s couldn’t get a shot off.
But then Darling hit the biggest shot of his St. John’s career, driving to the basket for a layup that beat the buzzer.
The Johnnies survived, 67-65, on Sunday to escape San Diego, advancing to the Sweet 16 and a showdown with Duke later this week.
It was the only basket Darling scored.
Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins led St. John’s with 16 points.
