
Kansas vs St Johns prediction as Bill Self faces Rick Pitino in Round of 32
A rare coaching matchup takes center stage in the Round of 32 as Bill Self and Rick Pitino face off when Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball takes on St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball.
Despite being two of the longest-tenured and most accomplished head coaches in college basketball, Self and Pitino have only faced each other once. That lone meeting came on November 28, 2021, when Pitino was coaching Iona and Self led Kansas in the ESPN Events Invitational.
Now, they meet again with significantly higher stakes and a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.
Why Kansas has the edge
St. John’s enters Sunday’s round of 32 showdown as 3.5-point favorites, but the matchup projects much tighter than the spread suggests.
The Jayhawks hold key advantages in areas that tend to decide close tournament games. Kansas is a more reliable three-point shooting team, while the Red Storm’s perimeter consistency has been inconsistent throughout the season.
Free-throw shooting also favors Kansas. In a physical postseason environment, where fouls accumulate late, the Jayhawks’ efficiency at the line could prove decisive.
Darryn Peterson factor
Superstar freshman phenom Darryn Peterson gives Kansas the most dynamic scorer on the floor.
He showed that in the opening round, taking over early and finishing with a high-volume, efficient scoring performance. Peterson’s ability to create offense in isolation and knock down perimeter shots makes him the type of player who can swing a tight March Madness game.
If this turns into a late-possession battle, Kansas has the advantage with the best closer.
Frontcourt matchup to watch
St. John’s brings size and athleticism, but Kansas matches it.
Flory Bidunga anchors a frontcourt that can neutralize the Red Storm’s strength on the offensive glass. While St. John’s thrives on second-chance opportunities, Kansas has the size and physicality to compete in that area.
Bidunga will be key defensively, particularly in limiting extra possessions.
Best bets
This game profiles as a close, physical matchup where execution and star power will decide the outcome.
Kansas moneyline
Darryn Peterson over 23.5 points
Flory Bidunga over 8.5 rebounds
Kansas enters battle-tested out of the Big 12 and appears undervalued in this spot, especially given how public perception shifted after the Round of 64.








