Offense meets defense when the No. 8 Villanova Wildcats (16-3, 6-1 Big East) head to St. John’s to take on the Red Storm (13-8, 2-6 Big East). The game gets underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Villanova Wildcats at St. John’s Red Storm Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they topped the Providence Friars, 64-60. Villanova’s 0.500 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Providence, who had a rate of 0.341. The Wildcats’ mark was below their season average of 0.525, while the Friars’ was below their season average of 0.464. Villanova rallied around Collin Gillespie, who was the team’s leading scorer with 18 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The Red Storm were victorious over the DePaul Blue Demons in their last matchup, 79-66. St. John’s made 13 of their 32 three pointers (40.6 percent). DePaul, on the other hand, held the Red Storm to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 32.2). LJ Figueroa was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Red Storm won 71-65. St. John’s had a much better turnover percentage (9.0 vs. 19.9). Villanova, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 22.0).
Opposite tempos will be on display in this meeting. St. John’s prefers to play fast (19th in possessions per game), while Villanova likes to grind-it-out (273rd in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Wildcats rank 43rd in offensive efficiency (110.0), while the Red Storm rank 52nd in defensive efficiency (92.8).
Villanova Wildcats vs. St. John’s Red Storm Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Villanova ranks 29th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while St. John’s ranks 229th in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
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).
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’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 8.2 for the season.
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).