The 21st-ranked Creighton Bluejays (17-6, 6-4 Big East) and their sensational offense host the St. John’s Red Storm (13-10, 2-8 Big East) and their superb defense. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Creighton Bluejays ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Bluejays fell to the Providence Friars, 73-56, while the Red Storm lost a close one to the Georgetown Hoyas, 73-72.
St. John’s had a better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 16.5) while Creighton forced Providence into a turnover percentage of 18.2 (above the 15.2 mark opponents have averaged against Creighton this season). Ty-Shon Alexander had a good game for Creighton, putting up 15 points and five rebounds. St. John’s, meanwhile, rallied around Julian Champagnie, who put up 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Red Storm dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent contest, St. John’s won 83-67. St. John’s’ 0.693 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Creighton, who had a mark of 0.492. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Creighton takes on the stingy defense of St. John’s. The Bluejays rank 45th in offensive efficiency, while the Red Storm are 53rd in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Red Storm rank 28th in turnover percentage (16.4 percent), while the Bluejays rank 288th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.7 percent).
St. John’s vs. Creighton Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Creighton, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- St. John’s ranks 26th in rebounds per game (39.8) while Creighton ranks 224th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- The Bluejays rank 47th in assists per game (14.9) while the Red Storm rank 177th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- St. John’s ranks third in steals per game (10.4) while Creighton ranks 132nd (6.3).
- The Bluejays average 24.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. The Red Storm rank 235th in three pointers allowed per game (24.7).
- St. John’s ranks 45th in blocks per game (4.3) while Creighton ranks 183rd (2.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
- The Bluejays’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 7.7 for the season.
