It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the No. 12 Villanova Wildcats (21-6, 10-4 Big East) welcome the St. John’s Red Storm (14-13, 3-11 Big East) to Finneran Pavilion. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Villanova Wildcats Free Prediction
The Red Storm are trying to rebound after their 81-65 loss to the No. 16 Seton Hall Pirates in their last matchup. Seton Hall’s 0.339 free throw rate was their largest strength over St. John’s, who had a mark of 0.169. The Pirates’ mark was above their season average of 0.261, while the Red Storm’s was below their season average of 0.214. Julian Champagnie played well for St. John’s, recording 14 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Wildcats’ previous matchup, they were victorious over the Xavier Musketeers, 64-55. Villanova’s 12.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Xavier, who had a rate of 17.1. The Wildcats’ mark was better than their season average of 14.1. Saddiq Bey was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting from the field.
Ball security could play a significant role in this battle. Villanova commits the 21st-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while the pesky defense of St. John’s forces the 22nd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.4 percent). Conflicting styles will be on display in this contest. The fast-paced Red Storm rank 24th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Wildcats rank 265th.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Red Storm lost 79-59. Rasheem Dunn scored a game-high 24 points and also recorded five rebounds. The Wildcats had a better free throw rate (0.148 vs. 0.049) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.4 vs. 18.9).
St. John’s Red Storm at Villanova Wildcats Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Villanova ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while St. John’s ranks 260th in three pointers allowed per game (24.7).
The Wildcats rank 40th in assists per game (14.9) while the Red Storm rank 214th in assists allowed per game (14.3).
Villanova ranks 118th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5) while St. John’s ranks 281st (41.1).
The Red Storm rank third in steals per game (10.1) while the Wildcats rank 160th (5.9).
St. John’s averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 51st in the NCAA. Villanova ranks 122nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
The Red Storm have been outscored by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. For the season, St. John’s has defeated opponents by an average of 3.5 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average).