Updated March 11, 2026
The Big East Tournament quarterfinal round includes a compelling clash between Providence and St. John’s on March 12 at Madison Square Garden. Providence enters this game after rallying past Butler 91-81 in the opening round, fueled by a barrage of three-point shooting and strong scoring from its backcourt. That win pushed the Friars to 15-17 on the season and earned them a shot at the conference’s top seed in this Providence vs St. John's matchup.
Pick: St. John’s -10.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: 3 out of 5
Providence arrives with confidence after a comeback victory against Butler in the opening round. The Friars erased a large deficit and shot over 52% from the field while hitting 14 three-point shots in that win. Guard Stefan Vaaks erupted for 28 points and showed the kind of perimeter scoring that can keep Providence competitive even against elite opponents.
St. John’s enters this game rested and playing some of its best basketball of the season. The Red Storm closed the regular season with several strong victories and secured the Big East regular-season title. Defense has been the foundation of their success. They allow about 70 points per game, which is among the best marks in the conference.
The season series adds another layer of intrigue. Each team has already claimed a win in the rivalry this season. Providence pulled off the upset in January, but St. John’s responded with a double-digit victory in February. With both teams familiar with each other, adjustments and execution could determine who advances to the semifinals.
St. John’s
Providence
Stat | Providence | St. John’s |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 85.5 | 81.9 |
Points allowed per game | 84.0 | 70.5 |
Team Field Goal % | 48% | 45% |
Rebounds per game | 38.8 | 38.7 |
Assists per game | 14.1 | 16.4 |
Score Projection: Providence 72 – St. John’s 83 ATS PRO
Win Probability: Providence 27%, St. John’s 73% ATS PRO
Providence showed offensive firepower in the opening round, but the matchup against St. John’s presents a much tougher test. The Red Storm combines strong interior defense with balanced scoring and has been one of the most consistent teams in the Big East this season. While Providence has already proven it can beat this opponent, replicating that success on short rest against the conference’s top seed will be difficult. I'll lay the points with the Johnnies in what is essentially a home game for them to kick off their Big East Tournament.
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