The St. John’s Red Storm (20-8, 8-7 Big East) close out their home schedule at Carnesecca Arena against the Xavier Musketeers (15-13, 7-8 Big East). The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Xavier Musketeers vs. St. John’s Red Storm Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Red Storm defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 78-70, while the Musketeers beat the 17th-ranked Villanova Wildcats 66-54.
The Musketeers had a much better free throw rate (0.213 vs. 0.068) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.529). The Red Storm, on the other hand, forced 22 turnovers and held the Pirates to an effective field goal percentage of 0.447 (below their season average of 0.512). Shamorie Ponds had a good game for St. John’s, contributing 27 points, five assists and five steals. Xavier, meanwhile, was led by Naji Marshall, who finished with 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Musketeers dominated this series last year, securing victories in all three games. In the last matchup, Xavier won 88-60. The Musketeers’ 26.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Red Storm, who had a rate of 13.2. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It will be a matchup of contrasting tempos as the up-and-down Red Storm (ranked 46th in the country in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Musketeers (279th in possessions per game). It could also be an error-filled game for the Musketeers’ offense, which ranks 279th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.3 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Red Storm, which forces the 58th-most turnovers in the country (21.4 percent).
Xavier vs. St. John’s ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – St. John’s, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Xavier ranks 51st in rebounds allowed per game (32.4) while St. John’s ranks 262nd (38.5).
- The Red Storm average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 86th in the country. The Musketeers rank 208th in assists allowed per game (14.6).
- St. John’s ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Xavier ranks 95th (3.2).
- The Red Storm rank 14th in steals per game (8.9) while the Musketeers rank 180th (5.7).
- St. John’s ranks 97th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while Xavier ranks 236th in three pointers allowed per game (24.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (7.1 below their season average).
- The Red Storm have been outscored by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. For the season, St. John’s has defeated opponents by an average of 5.3 points.
