St. John’s broke open a close game and defeated the University of Omaha 83-53 Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament in Providence, R.I.
Omaha, which is coached by Hopkinsville High School graduate Chris Crutchfield, was making its first appearance in the tournament.
The Storm (31-4) had a five-point lead at halftime but outscored the Mavericks 50-25 in the second half.
Crutchfield said his team got off to a good start, but things fell apart.
ESPN also reported during the game that Crutchfield was named the 2024-25 Summit League Coach of the Year.
Photo by Reese Strickland/Imagn Images