St. John's Beats Northern Iowa, Faces Kansas in Round 2

St. John's Red Storm Storm Into NCAA Tournament Second Round, Leading NYC's March Madness Charge

New York City basketball fans have plenty to celebrate this March as three area programs — St. John's University, Hofstra, and LIU — all earned spots in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. But it's the Red Storm making the loudest noise. On March 20, 2026, St. John's dismantled Northern Iowa 79-53 in San Diego, punching their ticket to the second round and setting up a marquee showdown with No. 4 seed Kansas on Sunday at 5:15 p.m. on CBS. For a program riding a historic wave of momentum under Hall-of-Fame coach Rick Pitino, this run feels different — and New York is paying attention.

St. John's Dominant First-Round Performance

The Red Storm entered the 2026 NCAA Tournament as a No. 5 seed in the East region, carrying a stellar 28-6 record and the swagger of back-to-back Big East tournament champions. Their first-round opponent, Northern Iowa, never had a chance.

The 79-53 victory in San Diego was a statement win — physical, disciplined, and showcasing exactly why St. John's has earned recognition as one of the top programs in the country this season. The Red Storm controlled tempo, defended at a high level, and leaned on their star power when it mattered most.

Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor has been the engine driving this team all season, averaging an impressive 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His combination of athleticism, skill, and toughness makes him one of the most dangerous players remaining in the tournament — and one Kansas will have to account for in every possession. Full first-round results for all NYC-area teams are available via CBS News New York.

Rick Pitino and the Rebuilding of a New York Basketball Dynasty

The St. John's story in 2026 is as much about its coach as it is about its players. Hall-of-Fame coach Rick Pitino has engineered one of the most remarkable program turnarounds in recent college basketball history, and back-to-back Big East Tournament titles are the proof.

Pitino, who previously won national championships at Kentucky (1996) and Louisville (2013), brought his pedigree, recruiting connections, and competitive fire to Queens — and the results have been immediate. Under his leadership, St. John's has recaptured its identity as a New York basketball powerhouse, drawing elite talent and playing with the kind of toughness and structure that wins in March.

Last season, St. John's entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed, defeated Omaha in the first round, but fell to Arkansas in the Round of 32. That early exit served as motivation. This year's team appears more seasoned, more balanced, and hungry for a deeper run.

The Kansas Matchup: What to Expect Sunday

Standing between St. John's and a Sweet 16 appearance is a program with one of the most storied traditions in college basketball: the No. 4 seed Kansas Jayhawks. The two teams are scheduled to tip off on Sunday at 5:15 p.m. ET on CBS, making it one of the marquee second-round matchups of the weekend.

Kansas brings tournament experience, size, and Big 12 battle-tested toughness to the matchup. But St. John's has the home crowd of an entire city behind them, a Player of the Year candidate in Ejiofor, and the momentum of a program that has been building toward this moment all season.

Key factors to watch:

• Ejiofor vs. Kansas's frontcourt — if he can establish himself inside, St. John's offense flows freely
• Pitino's adjustments — his ability to prepare for opponents in 48-hour windows is legendary
• Transition defense — Kansas can push in transition; St. John's must limit second-chance opportunities
• Three-point shooting — whichever team runs hot from the perimeter will likely control the game's momentum

For New Yorkers looking to watch locally, here's a full guide to where you can watch in and around NYC.

Hofstra and LIU: NYC's Full March Madness Presence

St. John's isn't the only area program with a compelling 2026 tournament story. Both Hofstra and LIU made the field, giving New York City one of its strongest showings in the NCAA Tournament in years.

Hofstra's Historic Return

Hofstra University (24-10) earned a No. 13 seed in the Midwest region — their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2001. The Pride won the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament title to claim their automatic bid, capping a 25-year wait for March Madness with a championship performance.

Head coach Speedy Claxton — who won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 — has built something special on Long Island. His playing career gave him credibility with recruits, but it's his coaching acumen that's turned Hofstra into a genuine conference contender. Reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a quarter century is a genuine program milestone.

LIU's Eighth Tournament Appearance

Long Island University (24-10) earned their way into the West region as a No. 16 seed, where they faced top-seeded Arizona. It marks the program's 8th NCAA Tournament appearance, secured by winning their 7th Northeast Conference Title and claiming the automatic bid that comes with it.

While facing a No. 1 seed is a steep climb, LIU's consistent presence in the NCAA Tournament speaks to a program culture that knows how to win when it counts. See how all three NYC-area teams fared in their first-round matchups.

Why 2026 Feels Like a Turning Point for NYC College Basketball

Having three New York-area programs in the NCAA Tournament simultaneously is rare, and it reflects a broader resurgence of talent and investment in regional college basketball programs. The tri-state area has long been considered one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country for basketball talent, but that talent has historically left for programs in the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC.

What's different in 2026 is that coaches like Pitino, Claxton, and LIU's staff are keeping more of that talent local — or attracting players who want to play in New York City. The exposure, the energy of the city, and the opportunity to represent a market of millions has become a selling point rather than an afterthought.

If St. John's can knock off Kansas on Sunday, the conversation about New York as a legitimate college basketball hub will grow significantly louder.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does St. John's play Kansas in the NCAA Tournament?

St. John's faces No. 4 seed Kansas in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. ET on CBS. The game is being played in San Diego.

Who is Zuby Ejiofor?

Zuby Ejiofor is St. John's star forward and the Big East Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. He averages 16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game and is widely considered one of the best players remaining in the NCAA Tournament.

How did St. John's qualify for the 2026 NCAA Tournament?

St. John's earned an at-large bid as a No. 5 seed in the East region after finishing the regular season 28-6 and winning back-to-back Big East Tournament titles under coach Rick Pitino.

When was the last time Hofstra made the NCAA Tournament before 2026?

Hofstra's 2026 appearance is their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2001 — a 25-year drought that ended when the Pride won the 2026 CAA Tournament championship under head coach Speedy Claxton.

How many times has LIU been to the NCAA Tournament?

The 2026 tournament marks LIU's 8th NCAA Tournament appearance. They earned their spot by winning their 7th Northeast Conference Title and the automatic bid that came with it.

Conclusion

New York City's 2026 March Madness story is one of redemption, resurgence, and regional pride. St. John's has emerged as a legitimate Sweet 16 contender, backed by a Hall-of-Fame coach, a Player of the Year in Zuby Ejiofor, and a 28-6 record that commands respect. Their Sunday showdown with Kansas is the kind of game NYC fans circled the moment the bracket was revealed.

Meanwhile, Hofstra's first tournament appearance in 25 years and LIU's continued presence in the field remind us that New York basketball extends well beyond one program. Whether or not the Red Storm advance, March 2026 has already been a banner month for the city's college basketball scene — and if Pitino's crew can get past the Jayhawks, it could be the beginning of something historic in Queens.