The St. John’s Red Storm (10-13) will try to snap their 11-game losing streak when they challenge the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils (19-3) at Madison Square Garden. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Duke Blue Devils vs. St. John’s Red Storm ATS Prediction
In the Blue Devils’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 88-66. Duke’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Notre Dame. The Blue Devils had a rate of 48.4 (above their season average of 40.6), while the Fighting Irish posted a mark of 28.2. With 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Gary Trent Jr. was the game’s high scorer.
The Red Storm fell to the No. 6 Xavier Musketeers in their last outing, 73-68. Xavier’s 0.327 free throw rate was their largest strength over St. John’s, who had a mark of 0.175. The Musketeers’ mark was above their season average of 0.307, while the Red Storm’s was below their season average of 0.219. Shamorie Ponds put together a solid performance for St. John’s, leading both teams in scoring with 31 points on 12-for-20 shooting.
St. John’s should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. St. John’s ranks 26th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.1 percent), while Duke forces the 61st-fewest turnovers (17.1 percent). Moreover, the Blue Devils’ 35th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.469) will go head-to-head against the Red Storm’s 310th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.477).
Wendell Carter Jr. has averaged 17.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Duke.
Duke Blue Devils vs. St. John’s Red Storm ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Duke averages 43.0 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the nation. St. John’s ranks 279th in rebounds allowed per game (40.1).
The Blue Devils rank fourth in assists per game (18.9) while the Red Storm rank 177th (13.0).
Duke averages 21.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 148th in the nation. St. John’s ranks 234th in three pointers allowed per game (24.8).
The Red Storm rank seventh in steals per game (9.1) while the Blue Devils rank 40th (7.6).
Duke averages 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 17th in the NCAA. St. John’s ranks 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.6).
Betting Trends:
The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, down from 18.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (7.5 above their season average).
