Preview of NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Game

SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A surging Saint John’s team riding a nine-game winning streak will face a battle-tested Kansas squad when the Red Storm and Jayhawks meet in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Frontwave Arena.

The No. 2-seeded Red Storm (29-6) enter as one of the nation’s hottest teams, having dominated their conference tournament and rolling to a 79-53 victory over Northern Iowa in their tournament opener last Friday. Their last loss was a 72-40 defeat at Connecticut on Feb. 25.

seed Kansas (24-10) advanced with a gritty 68-60 win over California Baptist on Friday. The Jayhawks have navigated a challenging schedule but have been inconsistent away from home, including double-digit road losses to Houston, Arizona and Arizona State in recent weeks.

The matchup features two standout performers. Saint John’s is powered by forward Zuby Ejiofor, who has scored in double figures in nine straight games. Over his last eight contests, he is averaging 18.4 points, 3.4 assists and 3.1 blocks per game, including a 20-point, 7-block performance against Connecticut on March 14.

Kansas counters with guard Darryn Peterson, a dynamic scorer who has averaged 21.3 points over his last seven games. He poured in 28 points in the first-round win and had 27 in a victory over Kansas State on March 7.

Saint John’s boasts a potent offense that has scored 72 or more points in 10 consecutive games. Kansas’s defense, which held California Baptist to 60 points, will be tested. The Jayhawks’ ability to handle Saint John’s defensive pressure, led by Ejiofor’s rim protection, will be critical.

The game is set for a 143.5 over/under.