Bryce Hopkins Shines as St. John’s Advances to Sweet 16

SAN DIEGO — Bryce Hopkins, the senior forward for St. John’s, has emerged as a surprising sharpshooter, setting a new NCAA Tournament record for the school with six 3-pointers in a thrilling 67-65 victory over No. 4 Kansas. This achievement not only helped the fifth-seeded Johnnies progress to the Sweet 16 but also underscored a remarkable evolution in Hopkins’ game.

The Rise of a 3-Point Sniper

In recent outings, Hopkins has transformed his approach to long-range shooting, successfully sinking multiple 3-pointers in three consecutive games—a feat he had not accomplished all season until now. His previous career high was three 3-pointers in a single game.

Key Performance Highlights:

• NCAA Tournament Record: Six 3-pointers against Kansas
• Current 3-Point Average: 57.8% over the past six games
• Recent Game Stats: Averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds

“I wanted to come here to play meaningful basketball and have a chance to make a big run in March,” said Hopkins. “We’re definitely doing it.”

Coach Pitino’s Trust

Head coach Rick Pitino recognized the shift in Hopkins’ confidence, urging him to take open shots when they presented themselves. His belief was validated when Hopkins made a crucial 3-pointer with just 1:29 on the clock, widening their lead to four points.

“He passed up three wide-open ones. I said, ‘Man, everybody dreams of getting hot like you. You’ve got to take them,’ ” Pitino remarked. “He finally said, ‘I gotcha, Coach.’ And he did it.”

Team Performance

The collective effort of Hopkins and the Red Storm has been instrumental in their NCAA Tournament journey. They have hit a staggering 21 3-pointers across two tournament games, marking a significant milestone as this is the first time St. John’s has progressed to this stage since 1999.

Confidence at a New Level

Hopkins attributes his recent success to daily practice and the unwavering support from his teammates.

“I feel like I’m a good shooter. I practice every day. It’s a matter of me being confident,” he explained. “My guys give me confidence. It fell tonight. It feels really good to be going to the Sweet 16.”

Upcoming Challenges

St. John’s is gearing up for their next match at Capital One Arena, a venue where they previously hit a season-high 15 3-pointers in a victory against Georgetown earlier in the season.

“Hopefully, we can come back and make another 15 3s when we go there,” said Hopkins, reflecting the team’s momentum and confidence.

Conclusion

With an impressive performance from Bryce Hopkins and a strong team dynamic, St. John’s is not only capturing the spotlight but also making a serious push for further advancement in the tournament. The Sweet 16 awaits, and if they continue this form, they could be on their way to an unforgettable March Madness run.

For more insights and updates on St. John’s basketball, check out the latest NCAA tournament news and statistics.