St. John’s (20-3) at Connecticut (16-6)
- When: Feb 7 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, CT, USA
- Where to watch: FOX
Game Preview
UConn Favored by 4.0 | Total Set at 141.0
A high-stakes Big East showdown is set for Friday night as No. 12 St. John’s looks to keep its incredible season rolling against No. 19 UConn in Storrs. The Red Storm have been the hottest team in the conference, while the Huskies are still searching for the dominant form that made them back-to-back national champions.
St. John’s Outlook
Red Storm Look to Extend Their Big East Dominance
St. John’s (20-3, 11-1 Big East) has been a force this season, riding a nine-game winning streak and achieving its best 23-game record since 1985-86. The Red Storm’s 11-1 conference mark is their strongest start since 1984-85, a season that ended with a Final Four appearance.
Unlike most top teams that rely on perimeter shooting, St. John’s plays a throwback style of basketball. They shoot just 29.6% from three-point range, ranking near the bottom of Division I, yet dominate inside and on the boards. They rank fourth nationally in defensive efficiency and ninth in offensive rebounding with 14.5 per game.
In their latest win over No. 11 Marquette, St. John’s grabbed 21 offensive rebounds, leading to 16 second-chance points and 36 points in the paint. Zuby Ejiofor (13 rebounds), RJ Luis Jr. (11), and Kadary Richmond (11) became the first Big East trio this season to all grab double-digit rebounds in the same game.
Head coach Rick Pitino, who has led five different schools to the NCAA Tournament, is confident in his team’s intensity.
“They play so hard and deserve all the credit in the world,” Pitino said.
Betting Insight: St. John’s thrives on physicality, second-chance opportunities, and defensive intensity. Their ability to control the boards could be key against a UConn team that has struggled with consistency.
UConn Outlook
Huskies Still Seeking Last Year’s Dominance
UConn (16-6, 8-3 Big East) is trying to become the first team to win three straight national titles since UCLA (1967-1973), but this season has been anything but smooth.
The Huskies have already doubled their loss total from last season and rank 119th in defensive efficiency, which would be their worst defensive ranking under head coach Dan Hurley.
Unlike last year’s dominant squad that closed the season on a 13-game winning streak, winning 11 of those by double digits, this Huskies team has struggled to put teams away. Their eight conference wins have come by an average margin of just 6.8 points, and they needed double-digit comebacks to beat Providence (Jan. 5) and DePaul (Jan. 29).
On Tuesday, UConn jumped out to a 15-point lead against Marquette, but struggled to maintain control late. Solo Ball scored 17 second-half points, helping them hold on for a 77-69 win, but Hurley wasn’t satisfied with the team’s effort.
“We don’t play with that tenacity that our past teams have played with,” Hurley said. “There was a stretch in the second half where we weren’t desperate enough or urgent enough. That’s been the story of our season.”
Betting Insight: UConn’s inconsistency in closing games could be a major issue against a St. John’s squad that crashes the boards and keeps possessions alive.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread Pick: St. John’s +160 – The Red Storm’s rebounding and defense should keep them in this game, and UConn’s inability to put teams away makes this line risky for the Huskies.
Over/Under: Under 141.0 – With St. John’s struggling from three and UConn’s defensive identity still intact, expect a grind-it-out battle.
Final Score Prediction: St. John’s 69, UConn 66 – The Red Storm’s physicality and rebounding edge help them pull off another statement win.
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- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
