The Xavier Musketeers (16-14, 8-9 Big East) welcome the St. John’s Red Storm (20-10, 8-9 Big East) to Cintas Center as the regular season wraps up. Action gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
St. John’s Red Storm at Xavier Musketeers Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Musketeers fell to the Butler Bulldogs, 71-66, while the Red Storm were defeated by the DePaul Blue Demons, 92-83.
St. John’s had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 18.6) while Xavier had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.484). Xavier’s Zach Hankins had a good outing, contributing 12 points and nine rebounds. Shamorie Ponds played a key role for St. John’s with 29 points.
In their first matchup this season, Naji Marshall led the Musketeers to an 84-73 win. He scored a game-high 31 points. Getting to the free throw line was one of Xavier’s biggest strengths. They made 33 trips to the line, while St. John’s went just five times.
This could end up being an error-filled game for the offense of Xavier. Xavier ranks 288th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.4 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of St. John’s forces the 49th-most turnovers in the country (21.5 percent). Conflicting styles will be on display in this battle. The fast-paced Red Storm rank 52nd in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Musketeers rank 274th.
St. John’s vs. Xavier Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Xavier ranks 45th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while St. John’s ranks 263rd (38.4).
- The Red Storm average 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 95th in the NCAA. The Musketeers rank 207th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
- St. John’s ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Xavier ranks 89th (3.2).
- The Red Storm rank 11th in steals per game (8.9) while the Musketeers rank 177th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- St. John’s ranks 98th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while Xavier ranks 237th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Red Storm have been outscored by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. On the season, St. John’s has defeated opponents by an average of 4.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
