SAN DIEGO — Zuby Ejiofor gave Ian Jackson a pep talk Friday.
Before tipoff Sunday, Rick Pitino was in the sophomore’s ear.
Both delivered the same message: We need you.
Jackson was listening.
The Bronx native came up big in a 67-65, second-round victory over No. 4 Kansas that sent the fifth-seeded Johnnies to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
Jackson scored 10 big points in 20 minutes off the bench.
“For me, it’s special,” Jackson said. “Me being a kid from New York, a kid from The Bronx, seeing St. John’s growing up not really being the most sought-after school, to see what Coach P has built, what we’re doing this year and the history we’re making, to be able to come home and do something special with this group of guys, with this coach, it’s truly special to me.”
Jackson also defended well, spending time guarding Kansas star Darryn Peterson, the potential No. 1 NBA draft pick who shot 5-for-15 from the field.
He was a difference-maker against the Jayhawks.
“To have an impact or a role in this win is huge,” said Jackson, a transfer from North Carolina. “My teammates believe in me, Coach believes in me to go out there and perform and help us win.”
St. John’s was on the wrong end of two missed calls.
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In the first half, Ejiofor was fouled while attempting a shot. Kansas big man Flory Bidunga blocked the attempt clearly on the way down, but the officials ruled it a block.
Then, with just over a minute left in the second half and the Johnnies up by four, Kansas guard Kohl Rosario saved a missed shot from going out of bounds.
But he failed to reestablish position on the court.
He was able to tip the ball to Tre White, who scored inside with 1:01 to go to make it a two-point game.
That basket shouldn’t have counted.
St. John’s has now won 30 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1984-85 and 1985-86. … The Johnnies have hit 21 3-pointers in two NCAA Tournament games. It is their most in back-to-back games this season. … Pitino became the fifth Division I coach to win 30 games 10 different times. The others are Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams (12), John Calipari (11) and Bill Self (11).
