It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the St. John’s Red Storm (14-11, 3-9 Big East) welcome the Xavier Musketeers (16-9, 5-7 Big East) to Madison Square Garden. The game is scheduled to get underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, February 17, 2020.
Consensus Odds From Indiana Sportsbooks: Xavier -1.5, Total 141
Xavier Musketeers at St. John’s Red Storm Betting Prediction
The Musketeers are trying to rebound after their 66-61 loss to the No. 19 Butler Bulldogs in their last contest. Butler’s 0.151 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Xavier, who had a mark of 0.127. The Bulldogs’ mark was below their season average of 0.231, while the Musketeers’ was below their season average of 0.208. Tyrique Jones had a good outing for Xavier, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Red Storm’s last matchup, they were victorious over the Providence Friars, 80-69. St. John’s’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over Providence. The Red Storm had a rate of 15.5 (worse than their season average of 13.7), while the Friars posted a mark of 25.1 (above their season average of 16.0). LJ Figueroa was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 6-for-14 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Jones put up 12 points and 12 rebounds and the Musketeers beat the Red Storm 75-67. The Musketeers had a much better free throw rate (0.423 vs. 0.261) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.510 vs. 0.355).
The offense of St. John’s will battle against the stingy defense of Xavier. The Red Storm currently rank 195th in offensive efficiency, while the Musketeers are 73rd in defensive efficiency. The Musketeers should have the edge on that end of the court. Additionally, the Musketeers, who rank 59th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 percent), will attempt to take advantage of the Red Storm, who rank 309th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.8 percent).
Xavier Musketeers at St. John’s Red Storm ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – St. John’s, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Xavier ranks 26th in rebounds per game (39.5) while St. John’s ranks 293rd in rebounds allowed per game (40.7).
The Red Storm rank fourth in steals per game (10.1) while the Musketeers rank 168th (5.8).
Xavier averages 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 69th in the nation. St. John’s ranks 205th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Musketeers rank 156th in three pointers allowed per game (21.8) while the Red Storm rank 258th (24.7).
Xavier ranks 72nd in blocks per game (3.7) while St. John’s ranks 169th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (5.6 above their season average).