The Xavier Musketeers (12-11, 4-8 Big East) are set to face the No. 22 St. John’s Red Storm (18-5, 11-1) in a pivotal Big East matchup on Monday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The contest is scheduled to tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1.
In their most recent outings, Xavier suffered a heavy defeat, losing 92-60 to the No. 3 UConn Huskies. This loss marked the Musketeers’ fourth setback in their last five games, where they have allowed over 86 points in all four defeats. Conversely, St. John’s comes into the game with confidence after a victory over UConn, defeating the Huskies 81-72 last Friday. The Red Storm have been on a roll, winning nine consecutive games since their last loss to the Providence Friars on January 3.
Earlier this season, St. John’s triumphed over Xavier in a thrilling contest, winning 88-83 on January 24. This previous matchup is crucial as it demonstrates the competitive nature of both teams and sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch.
The latest odds from BetMGM Sportsbook reflect the matchup’s intensity. The moneyline shows Xavier at +750, suggesting a significant underdog status, while St. John’s stands strong at -1200 as the favorites. The spread is currently set at 14.5 points in favor of St. John’s, indicating confidence in their ability to win decisively.
In terms of predictions, experts forecast a St. John’s victory, projecting a score of 87-71. The Red Storm are 7-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last nine games and have demonstrated solid performance in recent matchups against common foes. Their rebounding and free-throw advantages, coupled with Xavier’s struggles in efficiency, suggest a significant edge for St. John’s.
As teams prepare to clash in this high-energy environment, trends indicate a potential for a competitive game, particularly given the possession-heavy playstyles of both squads. Recent statistics hint at a shifting dynamic, as the previously up-tempo approach by both teams may shift towards a more measured pace in the current contest. As such, there is a consideration for the UNDER at 162.5 points, offering a strategic angle for those looking to wager.
With both teams eager to secure a win, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden promises excitement and intensity as fans watch to see which team will claim victory in this Big East showdown.