St. John's vs Villanova Odds
| St. John's Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 146.5 -110o / -110u | +180 |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 146.5 -110o / -110u | -210 |
St. John's travels to Villanova on Wednesday night in what will be each team's first Big East contest.
This will be a highly contested conference battle between two units that bring a ton of momentum into this matchup.
St. John's Red Storm
St. Johns has only recorded one loss this season behind one of the best front-court duos in the country in C Joel Soriano and PF David Jones.
This experienced tandem has combined to average just over 30 points per game.
In addition, St. John's front-court has been able to create extra possessions through its 36.5% offensive rebounding percentage (20th nationally).
Those extra possessions will be an advantage against Villanova, who has only been able to create offensive rebounds at a 23.7% rate (314th nationally).
St. John's will have the most success offensively against Villanova with its ability to create penetration via its lightning-fast tempo.
The Red Storm have scored 61% of their points inside the three-point line, which is the ninth-highest rate in the country.
Villanova has struggled preventing penetration, allowing teams an average of 45.8% of total points from two-point range.
There is no doubt the Wildcats will do their best to get the Red Storm out of their up-tempo style, but they will have their work cut out for them trying to stop them from getting to the rim.
Villanova Wildcats
Kyle Neptune's first non-conference schedule as the head coach of Villanova was the definition of a roller coaster.
The Wildcats opened the year losing five of their first seven before rattling off a four-game winning streak.
Although their three most recent victories have come against teams outside the top-150, the confidence the Wildcats have gained is invaluable.
Villanova's up-and-down season can be seen as a result of its affinity for the three-point shot.
The Wildcats shoot 51.4% of their total attempts from distance, the fifth-highest rate in the country,
This high volume of three-point attempts has resulted in Villanova scoring 39.9% of its points from distance (17th nationally).
Against a St. John's team that is top-50 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, defending the perimeter could be a big weakness.
The Red Storm ranks 108th in defensive 3P%, allowing 31.5% this season.
If Villanova is able to convert from distance, look for it to keep up with a high-octane St. John's offense.
St. John's vs. Villanova Betting Pick
This matchup features two of the biggest style contrasts in college basketball.
Although both offenses operate at drastically different paces, I believe they will both find success Wednesday night.
In what will be a highly contested battle, I am happy to take the points with the underdog Red Storm, who I believe will be much more consistent as the game progresses.
If Villanova goes through some cold streaks from deep, St. John's may be able to steal a win on the road.
