Now, every game is a do-or-die, where every quarter is a relay. You miss one and you lose all the good work of the year. No one comes here as a favorite, but still, some start as favorites, and yes, the matchup everyone’s been waiting for is finally here. Two Hall of Famers, John Calipari and Rick Pitino, go head-to-head, hoping to book an early exit ticket out for the other. So, is it team rivalry or the coaches’ ego? Team, at least for Pitino. In his words, “I don’t go against other coaches. We go against teams.” St John’s will face the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday. But who’s feeling the heat?

Both, but one has to be even more cautious, feels Seth Greenberg of ESPN. And, he is adding pressure on Rick Pitino. The number 2 seed can’t afford to lose this game, but Calipari and his squad aren’t here just to participate. With only 7 healthy players and Adou Thiero sidelined, Calipari pulled off the impossible. They overcame the preseason number 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks coached by another Hall of Famer Bill Self.

“This is the best job he’s done in a number of years. He’s having more fun and enjoying it, even though he left basically Camelot as Rick patino calls Kentucky, this was the right move for him because you see him enjoying his team and coaching,” says Greenberg talking about the job Calipari has done this season. And even though the St. John’s boys have crushed Omaha in the first round, they won’t be taking the Arkansas easily.

While Calipari might seem to be enjoying life in Arkansas, it hasn’t been without its challenges. The Razorbacks started their SEC campaign with a rough 0-5 run. But that wasn’t the only issue. Coach Cal faced heavy criticism for having just 9 players on his squad. Injuries plagued the team, leaving them often shorthanded with a lack of depth. But despite it all, Calipari managed to keep his young squad united and maintain a positive atmosphere. And that spells danger for Rick Pitino ahead of their titanic round of 32 games.

Greenberg adds, “All the pressure is on Rick Pitino tomorrow. I mean this is the team. New York City. Sellout Madison Square Garden. Big East champions…John Calipari when he’s backed up against the wall. That’s the best version of John Calipari” The pressure will be on St John’s. They are the “New York’s team” and will be playing in front of a fully packed Amica Mutual Pavilion. The Big East champions are obviously the superior team. Be it points scored or points conceded they comfortably lead the Razorbacks in every metric. ESPN also gives them a resounding 71% chance of qualifying for the Sweet 16.

But as Greenberg points out — never rule out Calipari. The Razorbacks, who were outside the bubble after losing to Auburn did the impossible by winning against Missouri, Texas, Vandy, and Mississippi State without the services of both Boogie Fland and Adou Thiero showing that when coach Cal is backed up against the wall, he shines the brightest!

But this isn’t Pitino’s only concern. The head-to-head matchup against Coach Cal will be a big worry for Red Storm fans.

Rick Pitino and John Calipari – a battle for the ages.

This isn’t the first time these two titans have faced off, and hopefully, it won’t be the last either. The round of 32 games is shaping up to be an exciting matchup. To add to the buildup, this will be the 24th meeting between these two coaches, and Coach Cal holds the edge over his rival!

Coach Cal leads 13-10 over Pitino. His success at Kentucky gave him the edge, while Pitino coached at Louisville and Iona. To add salt to the wounds, in their last 10 matchups, Calipari has dominated with an 8-2 record. Their NCAA tournament record stands at 2-2, with Calipari securing the win the last time they met in 2014.

This game is set to be a thrilling. Pitino might have the stronger squad but that comes with added disadvantages. The pressure is on him to deliver as St John’s will be heading into the game as overwhelming favorites in front of a fully packed Amica Mutual Pavilion, but Coach Cal has the head-to-head advantage and knows exactly how to beat Pitino. Buckle up as one set to throw the other out of the ‘Madness’!