Offense meets defense when the No. 21 Creighton Bluejays (17-6, 6-4 Big East) welcome the St. John’s Red Storm (13-10, 2-8 Big East) to CHI Health Center Omaha. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
St. John’s Red Storm at Creighton Bluejays ATS Prediction
The last time the Red Storm played, they were topped by the Georgetown Hoyas, 73-72. Georgetown’s 30.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over St. John’s, who had a rate of 22.5. The Hoyas’ mark was below their season average of 33.9, while the Red Storm’s was below their season average of 31.2. Julian Champagnie had a solid performance for St. John’s, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bluejays lost to the Providence Friars in their last game, 73-56. Providence’s 0.170 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Creighton, who had a rate of 0.065. The Friars’ mark was below their season average of 0.236, while the Bluejays’ was below their season average of 0.227. Ty-Shon Alexander had a good performance for Creighton, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 5-for-15 shooting.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Creighton ranks 45th in offensive efficiency and St. John’s is 53rd in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Red Storm rank 28th in turnover percentage (16.4 percent), while the Bluejays rank 288th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.7 percent).
After the Red Storm won both contests against the Bluejays last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, St. John’s won 83-67. St. John’s made 13 of its 31 three pointers (41.9 percent). Creighton, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.133 vs. 0.070).
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Creighton Bluejays Betting Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
St. John’s ranks 45th in blocks per game (4.3) while Creighton ranks 183rd (2.2).
The Red Storm have been outscored by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. For the season, St. John’s has defeated opponents by an average of 5.0 points.
During their last five games, the Bluejays have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
