The St. John’s Red Storm (12-1, 0-1 Big East) welcome the No. 18 Marquette Golden Eagles (11-2) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. St. John’s Red Storm ATS Prediction
In the Golden Eagles’ last matchup, they blew out the UMBC Retrievers, 67-42. The Golden Eagles had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.467 vs. 0.274) and had a better free throw rate (0.183 vs. 0.129). Marquette received a boost from Markus Howard, who put up 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Red Storm had no trouble getting past the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds in their last matchup, 76-55. The Red Storm had a much better turnover percentage (20.1 vs. 29.2) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.375). Shamorie Ponds was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Golden Eagles won 85-73. The Golden Eagles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 17.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.615 vs. 0.534).
Sam Hauser and Howard have played well over the last five games for Marquette. Hauser has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Howard has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. St. John’s ranks 42nd in offensive efficiency and Marquette ranks 26th in defensive efficiency. It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Golden Eagles, which ranks 256th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.4 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Red Storm, which forces the 38th-most turnovers in the country (22.7 percent).
Marquette vs. St. John’s ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Marquette, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Marquette ranks 14th in rebounds per game (41.5) while St. John’s ranks 173rd (35.2).
The Red Storm average 9.4 steals per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. The Golden Eagles rank 157th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Marquette ranks 75th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while St. John’s ranks 193rd in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
The Golden Eagles rank 29th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Red Storm rank 138th (2.6).
St. John’s ranks 41st in assists per game (16.1) while Marquette ranks 80th (14.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 13.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 82.6 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
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