St. John’s beats Kansas at buzzer in March Madness thriller to reach first Sweet 16 since 1999

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.

Dylan Darling is pictured during the St. John’s game March 21. Getty Images

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.

Zuby Ejiofor dunks the ball during the St. John’s game against Kansas on March 22. Charles Wenzelberg

It was the only basket Darling scored.

Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins led St. John’s with 16 points.