St. John’s Red Storm vs. Xavier Musketeers Betting Prediction 01/05/20

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The St. John’s Red Storm (11-3, 0-1 Big East) will be at the Cintas Center to go head-to-head with the Xavier Musketeers (11-3, 0-1 Big East) in a Big East matchup. Action begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

St. John’s Red Storm at Xavier Musketeers ATS Odds

Both teams fell in their last contest. The Musketeers fell to the 10th-ranked Villanova Wildcats, 68-62, while the Red Storm lost a close one to the 11th-ranked Butler Bulldogs, 60-58.

St. John’s forced Butler into a turnover percentage of 29.9 (above their season average of 14.8) while Xavier held Villanova to an effective field goal percentage of 0.460 (below their season average of 0.553). Xavier’s Tyrique Jones led the way, putting up 12 points and 10 rebounds. St. John’s was lifted by Nick Rutherford, who contributed 15 points, six steals and five assists.

The Musketeers dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both contests. In the last contest, Xavier won 81-68. Xavier out-rebounded St. John’s. The Musketeers had 10 offensive rebounds and 38 total rebounds, while the Red Storm had five and 24, respectively. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Baskets could be hard to come by as a pair of the nation’s top defenses go head-to-head. Xavier ranks 42nd in defensive efficiency (89.8) and St. John’s is 34th (88.8).

St. John’s at Xavier Betting Pick

Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Xavier ranks 47th in rebounds per game (39.4) while St. John’s ranks 236th in rebounds allowed per game (39.4).
  • The Musketeers rank 45th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Red Storm rank 127th (12.7).
  • St. John’s ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.4) while Xavier ranks 70th (3.9).
  • The Musketeers rank 87th in three pointers allowed per game (20.6) while the Red Storm rank 230th (25.6).
  • St. John’s averages 10.4 steals per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. Xavier ranks 104th in steals allowed per game (6.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 8.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.7 below their season average).