The St. John’s Red Storm (16-16, 5-14 Big East) and No. 3 Xavier Musketeers (27-4, 15-3 Big East) bring the regular season to a close when they clash at Madison Square Garden. The game is scheduled to get underway at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Xavier Musketeers at St. John’s Red Storm Free Prediction
In the Musketeers’ last matchup, they defeated the DePaul Blue Demons, 65-62. The Musketeers made 17 of their 19 free throws (89.5 percent) and held the Blue Demons to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.9 (below their season average of 33.3). Xavier rallied around Trevon Bluiett, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
The Red Storm beat the Georgetown Hoyas in their last matchup, 88-77. The Red Storm knocked down 21 of their 26 free throws (80.8 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 12.6 (better than their season average of 14.9). With 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, St. John’s’ Justin Simon put together a solid outing.
St. John’s could put on a ball-control clinic in this battle. St. John’s ranks 47th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while Xavier forces the 30th-fewest turnovers (16.0 percent).
Marvin Clark II has averaged 17.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last five games for St. John’s.
The Musketeers have emerged victorious in both contests against the Red Storm this year, including a five-point victory the last time these teams met. The Musketeers knocked down 17 of their 22 free throws (77.3 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (16.1 vs. 13.9). Shamorie Ponds scored a game-high 31 points.
Xavier Musketeers at St. John’s Red Storm ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Xavier ranks 19th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while St. John’s ranks 289th (39.5).
The Musketeers rank 18th in assists per game (16.7) while the Red Storm rank 198th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
St. John’s averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the NCAA. Xavier ranks 177th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Red Storm rank 12th in blocks per game (5.3) while the Musketeers rank 156th (3.0).
St. John’s averages 21.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 180th in the nation. Xavier ranks 292nd in three pointers allowed per game (26.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 9.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Storm have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
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