Arkansas Razorbacks vs St. John’s Red Storm Prediction – 3/22/2025

The NCAA Tournament's second round brings an exciting matchup between the No. 2 seed St. John's Red Storm and the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks. The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:40 p.m. Eastern Time at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Both teams are coming off impressive first-round victories and are eager to secure a spot in the Sweet 16.

St. John's Red Storm vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Game Preview

St. John's enters this contest with a stellar 31-4 record, having dominated Nebraska Omaha 83-53 in the first round. The Red Storm's defense, ranked first nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, has been a cornerstone of their success, allowing 75 points or more in only two of their last 20 games.

Leading the charge for St. John's is forward RJ Luis, who averages 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In the first-round victory, Luis showcased his versatility with 22 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

On the other side, Arkansas holds a 21-13 record and is riding high after a 79-72 upset over No. 7 seed Kansas. The Razorbacks demonstrated resilience, holding off a late surge from the Jayhawks to secure the win. Guard D.J. Wagner was instrumental, contributing 14 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals while playing the entire game.

Under the guidance of head coach John Calipari, Arkansas has shown significant improvement, particularly in their offensive execution. The Razorbacks are shooting nearly 34% from beyond the arc since the start of February and rank 10th nationally in free throw rate, indicating their aggressive playstyle and ability to draw fouls.

Betting Insights

As of the latest odds, St. John's is favored by 7.5 points, with a moneyline of -330, while Arkansas stands at +265. The over/under for the game is set at 144.5 points.

Key betting trends to consider:

• St. John's has won each of its last 10 games and is 7-3 against the spread in those contests.
• Arkansas has won each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
• The total has gone over in five straight games for Arkansas, indicating a trend toward higher-scoring affairs.

St. John's Red Storm vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Prediction

This matchup features two teams with contrasting strengths: St. John's boasts a formidable defense, while Arkansas has been surging offensively. The Red Storm's ability to stifle opponents has been evident throughout the season, but the Razorbacks' recent offensive efficiency cannot be overlooked.

Considering the current form and betting trends, this game is likely to be closely contested. While St. John's defense is elite, Arkansas's offensive momentum and ability to draw fouls could keep them within striking distance. Therefore, taking Arkansas with the points (+7.5) appears to be a prudent choice. Additionally, given the Razorbacks' trend toward higher-scoring games, the over on the total points (144.5) is also worth considering.

Final Prediction: St. John's 77, Arkansas 72

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