The Villanova Wildcats suffered their first Big East loss last Sunday, conceding to an 82-76 defeat in overtime against Providence. The Wildcats now have a chance to start a new win streak when they take on the St. John’s Red Storm, losers of their last 11 games. Can the Wildcats beat down on their lowly opponents? Or will the Red Storm send shockwaves with a stunning upset? Read on as we take a look at this Big East showdown.
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Villanova Wildcats vs. St. John’s Red Storm Preview
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City
When: Sunday, January 31, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Villanova Wildcats (-20) at St. John’s Red Storm (+20) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
Betting on the Villanova Wildcats
Villanova leads the Big East in scoring defense, allowing just 61.7 points per game this season. But their defense was nowhere to be seen in last Sunday’s loss to Providence. They allowed the Friars to shoot 46.2 percent in the 82-76 overtime defeat. The Wildcats may have an easier time limiting St. John’s offense. The Red Storm are scoring just 67 points per game this season, 299th in the entire nation.
The Red Storm also have a questionable defense, allowing 74.2 points per game. Villanova will count on their quartet of strong scorers. Josh Hart (15.6 points per game), Ryan Arcidiacono (12.9), Kris Jenkins (10.3) and Jalen Brunson (10.2) are the only Wildcats averaging in double digits this season.
Hart and Arcidiacono have been absolutely on fire recently. Hart is scoring 16 points per game in his last three, while Arcidiacono is scoring 14.7. They should be able to light up the scoreboard against St. John’s, which has allowed an average of 79.7 points in an 11-game losing streak.
Villanova has won nine of their last 10 against St. John’s, going 8-2 against the spread.
Betting on the St. John’s Red Storm
For St. John’s to break their 11-game losing streak, and win their first conference game, they’ll need to play out of their minds and light up the scoreboard. Villanova has lost each of their three games when opponents are shooting 46 percent or better from the floor. But that is easier said than done. The Red Storm rank last in the Big East in shooting (36.6 percent) as well as rebounding margin (-6.3). They’re also allowing 80.8 points per game this season.
St. John’s last four losses have come by 19 or more points. A return to Madison Square Garden could give them a breath of fresh air. They’ve won two of three games at the venue, including an 84-72 upset of Syracuse in December.
Federico Mussini led the way for St. John’s against Syracuse with a team-high 17 points. He had some help from Durand Johnson and backups Amar Alibegovic and Kassoum Yakwe, who each scored 15 points. Mussini is scoring 16.3 points per game in his last four games at home. He’ll need to keep hot against the tough defense of Villanova if he wants to give his team an upset victory.
St. John’s has lost six straight home games, going 2-4 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
Villanova is too well rounded for St. John’s. The Wildcats (-20) win a blowout.
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