The St. John’s Red Storm (14-13, 3-11 Big East) will be at Finneran Pavilion to clash against the 12th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (21-6, 10-4 Big East) in a Big East matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Wildcats defeated the Xavier Musketeers, 64-55, while the Red Storm lost to the 16th-ranked Seton Hall Pirates, 81-65.
The Wildcats had 8 steals and held the Musketeers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.384 (below their season average of 0.487). St. John’s, on the other hand, forced Seton Hall into a turnover percentage of 20.5 (above their season average of 16.7). Saddiq Bey led the way for Villanova, putting up 22 points. Julian Champagnie, meanwhile played a key role for St. John’s with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Collin Gillespie led the Wildcats to a 79-59 win. He notched a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Villanova’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over St. John’s. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.148, while the Red Storm posted a mark of 0.049.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. Villanova commits the 21st-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while the disruptive defense of St. John’s forces the 22nd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.4 percent). It will also be a matchup of opposite paces as the fast-paced Red Storm rank 24th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Wildcats rank 265th.
St. John’s at Villanova Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- 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 Red Storm rank third in steals per game (10.1) while the Wildcats rank 160th (5.9).
- St. John’s ranks 51st in blocks per game (4.2) while Villanova ranks 122nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (7.6 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 7.4 for the season.
