The eighth-ranked Villanova Wildcats (16-3, 6-1 Big East) and their great offense visit St. John’s to play the Red Storm (13-8, 2-6 Big East) and their exceptional defense. The game gets underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Villanova Wildcats at St. John’s Red Storm ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Red Storm defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 79-66, while the Wildcats beat the Providence Friars 64-60.
The Wildcats held the Friars to an effective field goal percentage of 0.341 (below their season average of 0.464) and had a free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.211). Meanwhile, St. John’s’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over DePaul. The Red Storm had a rate of 0.525 (above their season average of 0.454), while the Blue Demons posted a mark of 0.338 (below their season average of 0.515). LJ Figueroa was a key piece for St. John’s with 28 points. Collin Gillespie had a solid performance for Villanova, putting up 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last game, the Red Storm won 71-65. The Red Storm’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Wildcats. St. John’s had a rate of 9.0, while Villanova posted a mark of 19.9. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
It will be a matchup of opposite styles as the fast-paced Red Storm will look to push the slower-paced Wildcats. The Red Storm rank 19th in possessions per game while the Wildcats are 273rd. Moreover, the 43rd-ranked offense of the Wildcats (offensive efficiency of 110.0) will square off against the 52nd-ranked defense of the Red Storm (defensive efficiency of 92.8).
Villanova Wildcats vs. St. John’s Red Storm ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – St. John’s, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Villanova averages 27.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 29th in the NCAA. St. John’s ranks 229th in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
- The Wildcats rank 42nd in assists per game (15.2) while the Red Storm rank 159th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
- St. John’s ranks 41st in blocks per game (4.5) while Villanova ranks 124th (3.1).
- The Wildcats rank 109th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2) while the Red Storm rank 272nd (41.1).
- St. John’s ranks fourth in steals per game (10.5) while Villanova ranks 152nd (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 8.2 for the season.
