The highly anticipated matchup between 15th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and fifth-ranked St. John’s Red Storm is set to unfold today at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Both teams are regarded for their strong offensive capabilities, with this clash marking the beginning of a challenging stretch for both programs before they transition into their respective conference schedules.
For this matchup, the betting odds have favored St. John’s by 6 points, reflecting their solid start to the season. The Crimson Tide kicked off their 2025 campaign with a resounding 91-62 victory over North Dakota, while St. John’s showcased their scoring prowess with an impressive 108-74 win against Quinnipiac, their highest offensive output since 2021.
Alabama, which topped the SEC in scoring last season, averaged an impressive 90.7 points per game. This season, they rely on sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr., who debuted with a strong performance of 22 points and eight assists against North Dakota. Additionally, Alabama has continued its tradition of rebounding dominance, winning the battle on the glass by a significant margin of 20 boards in their opener.
On the other hand, St. John’s also demonstrated depth and scoring capability in their opening game, boasting five players scoring in double figures and a significant contribution of 60 points in the paint. Dillon Mitchell has been a standout, leading the team with his performance.
Despite Alabama’s offensive strengths, concerns remain regarding their defense, as they struggled last season by allowing an average of 81.3 points per game. This puts additional pressure on the team to improve defensively as they face off against a high-powered St. John’s offense.
As anticipation builds, the betting predictions for the game suggest a point total over 171.5, indicative of the teams’ high-scoring tendencies. Key players to watch will be Labaron Philon Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor, with expectations for impactful performances on both ends. Meanwhile, St. John’s continues to ride a wave of momentum with 12 consecutive wins at Madison Square Garden.
Fans can catch the game today, November 8, 2025, at noon ET on FS1, as two of college basketball’s dynamic programs vie for a crucial early-season victory.