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Alabama (1-0) vs St. John’s (1-0)
- When: Nov 8 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
(15) Alabama vs (5) St. John’s Preview & Prediction
Spread: St. John’s -6.5
Moneyline: St. John’s (-270)
Total: 172.5
St. John’s Red Storm Betting Preview
Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team comes in with sky-high expectations and a tougher nonconference slate designed to toughen them up for March. The Red Storm are fresh off a 108-74 blowout of Quinnipiac, a game where five players hit double figures and the offense looked unstoppable inside.
Dillon Mitchell led the charge with 18 points on near-perfect shooting, while Zuby Ejiofor, the Big East’s preseason Player of the Year dominated in the paint, powering the Red Storm to 60 points down low. Pitino’s squad played with the trademark intensity he demands, applying pressure early and often while running the floor at a blistering pace.
This matchup will be a major test, though. Alabama’s transition offense thrives on chaos, and Pitino knows his team must be ready for a faster tempo than anything they saw against Quinnipiac. The Red Storm were 12-0 at Madison Square Garden last season, including a Big East title run, and they’ll look to keep that fortress mentality intact.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide enter the Garden ready to trade buckets with anyone. Alabama’s high-octane style was on full display in their 91-62 opening win over North Dakota, where they dominated the boards and pushed the tempo at every opportunity.
Sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. looks ready for a breakout year, scoring a career-high 22 points with eight assists in the opener. Oats praised his leadership but wants more from him defensively and on the glass. Houston Mallette added 15 points and eight rebounds, while the Tide’s rebounding margin (+20) showed they still bring plenty of muscle under the rim.
Alabama might again be short-handed with guards Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. both nursing injuries, but Oats’ system rarely slows down regardless of personnel. The Crimson Tide will try to dictate pace early and test St. John’s transition defense.
Prediction & Betting Angle
Expect fireworks at Madison Square Garden in what could feel like a March showdown in November. St. John’s defense hasn’t yet faced a team that runs as relentlessly as Alabama, but Pitino’s group is balanced, physical, and confident on its home floor.
Final Score: St. John’s 88, Alabama 81
Lean: St. John’s -6.5
Total: Under 172.5
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
