Nebraska Omaha (22-12) vs St. John’s (30-4)
- When: Mar 20 2025, 9:45 PM
- Where: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
NCAA Tournament Betting Preview: St. John’s vs. Omaha
St. John’s -19.0 | Total: 149.5
The No. 2 seed St. John’s Red Storm enter the West Region opener on a nine-game winning streak, looking to maintain their dominance against No. 15 seed Omaha on Thursday night in Providence, Rhode Island. With head coach Rick Pitino leading his sixth different program to March Madness, the Red Storm are expected to roll—but can Omaha keep it competitive?
St. John’s Red Storm: Defensive Dominance and Big-Time Coaching
Record: 30-4
Last Game: 82-65 win vs. Creighton (Big East Championship)
Key Strength: Elite defense (65.9 PPG allowed, No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom)
Rick Pitino’s squad enters the NCAA Tournament in peak form, crushing Marquette and Creighton in the Big East Tournament to solidify their standing as a dangerous No. 2 seed. RJ Luis Jr. (18.4 PPG) leads the offense, while Zuby Ejiofor (14.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG) anchors the interior, fresh off a career-high 33-point explosion against Marquette.
Despite limited perimeter shooting (30.4% from deep), St. John’s makes up for it with elite defense, rebounding, and transition play. Their pressure defense ranks first in adjusted efficiency, and they force opponents into tough shots all night long. If they control the tempo, this could be a blowout by halftime.
Omaha Mavericks: Cinderella or Overmatched?
Record: 22-12
Last Game: 85-75 win vs. St. Thomas (Summit League Championship)
Key Strength: Scoring depth & perimeter shooting (38.9% from three)
Omaha enters its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance with momentum, winning six straight games, including a conference title-clinching victory over St. Thomas. The Summit League champions are led by Player of the Year Marquel Sutton (19.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG), who torched South Dakota for 36 points last month.
While the Mavericks can score, they will have their hands full against St. John’s physicality. JJ White (13.7 PPG, 43.9% 3PT) and Tony Osburn (12.2 PPG, 40.4% 3PT) provide perimeter firepower, but facing St. John’s pressure defense is a different challenge than Summit League competition.
Coach Chris Crutchfield knows the challenge ahead, saying, “It’s a little intimidating, but our guys will be up for it.” Omaha will need a near-perfect shooting night and limit turnovers to have any shot at covering.
Betting Prediction & Total
Pick: St. John’s -19.0
Total: Under 149.5
While Omaha has been a great story, this is a nightmare matchup for them. St. John’s size, defensive intensity, and experience under Pitino should overwhelm the Mavericks early. Expect Luis and Ejiofor to dominate inside, and if the Red Storm hit even a respectable percentage from deep, this could be a one-sided rout.
Final Score Prediction: St. John’s 81, Omaha 60
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
