The Villanova Wildcats (9-10, 3-5 Big East) take on the St. John’s Red Storm (13-6, 3-5) at Madison Square Garden Friday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Villanova vs. St. John’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Villanova and St. John’s have struggled since entering conference play, both boasting 3-5 records in Big East action. Villanova also has a losing record overall in its 1st season without coach Jay Wright at the helm since 2000.
The Red Storm have the advantage of a home game Friday. They are 9-2 at MSG, although it is not technically on campus. The Wildcats are 2-5 on the road and this will be another difficult test against a high-scoring team in St. John’s. The Storm are 36th nationally with 79.3 points per game, but they have struggled on the defensive side of things. St. John’s has allowed 72.4 points per game (254th). The key in this one will be if Villanova, at 71.4 points per game (180th), can take advantage and put points on the board.
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Villanova at St. John’s odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:47 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Villanova +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | St. John’s -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +3.5 (-105) | St. John’s -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Villanova at St. John’s picks and predictions
Prediction
St. John’s 81, Villanova 75
Moneyline
PASS.
The Red Storm (-190) are too expensive as a standalone wager, but given that they are playing at home and with the offensive advantage this number is good as part of a parlay.
Against the spread
Hammer ST. JOHN’S -3.5 (-115).
Villanova got off to a rough start this season and things have not improved. While both teams have struggled in conference play, the Red Storm and their offense will have the ability to make shots and push the pace forward in this game. The higher the score is, the better the odds St. John’s covers this spread.
Over/Under
BET OVER 149.5 (-115).
St. John’s ranks 254th in the nation with 72.4 points allowed per game, and Villanova is not much better (69.4 points allowed per game, 186th). This game will be played in the high 70s or maybe even the low 80s.
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