The 13th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (20-5, 11-1 Big East) will be at Madison Square Garden to challenge the St. John’s Red Storm (18-7, 6-6 Big East) in a Big East matchup. Action begins at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Villanova Wildcats vs. St. John’s Red Storm ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Red Storm were victorious over the Butler Bulldogs 77-73, while the Wildcats dismantled the Providence Friars 85-67.
Villanova played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.352 (above their season average of 0.250) and a turnover percentage of 14.4 (better than their season average of 14.7). For those same stats, Providence was 0.228 and 19.0, respectively. Meanwhile, St. John’s played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid turnover percentage of 9.9 (better than their season average of 13.5) and a free throw rate of 0.234 (above their season average of 0.212). For those same stats, Butler was 20.1 and 0.134, respectively. Mustapha Heron had a good game for St. John’s, recording 28 points. Villanova was lifted by Eric Paschall, who finished with 25 points.
In their first matchup this year, Phil Booth led the Wildcats to a 76-71 victory. He recorded 23 points and seven rebounds. Villanova’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over St. John’s. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.296, while the Red Storm posted a mark of 0.098.
It will be a battle of contrasting styles as the fast-breaking Red Storm will look to push the more grind-it-out Wildcats. The Red Storm currently rank 46th in possessions per game while the Wildcats are 324th.
Villanova vs. St. John’s Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Villanova averages 29.7 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. St. John’s ranks 255th in three pointers allowed per game (25.6).
- The Red Storm average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 71st in the country. The Wildcats rank 148th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- Villanova is 17th in the nation with 2.3 blocks allowed per game while St. John’s is 24th with 2.4 blocks allowed per game.
- The Wildcats rank 48th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while the Red Storm rank 253rd (38.0).
- St. John’s ranks 15th in steals per game (8.7) while Villanova ranks 173rd (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Red Storm have been outscored by an average of 4.6 points in their last five games. For the season, St. John’s has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
