Big East Tournament: St. John's vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions
The No. 2 UConn Huskies (29-3) battle the St. John's Red Storm (20-12) in the Big East Tournament semifinals Friday. Tip from Madison Square Garden is set for 5:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the St. John's vs. UConnodds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
UConn is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Huskies finished the regular season with an 18-2 conference record, claiming the top spot in the Big East. They beat the 9th-seeded Xavier Musketeers 87-60 Thursday, covering as a 15-point favorite despite starting down 10-0. UConn has covered in 5 straight games and in 8 of its last 9. It went 20-11 against the spread (ATS) during the regular season.
St. John's finished the regular season 11-9 in conference play and earned the 5th seed in the tournament. It beat the 4th-seeded Seton Hall Pirates 91-72 Thursday, covering as a 3.5-point favorite. The Red Storm have covered in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to cover in 4 straight games. They ended the regular season with a 14-16 ATS record.
UConn won both regular season matchups between these teams, winning at home by 4 and on the road by 13, respectively closing as an 11-point and 3.5-point favorite.
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St. John's vs. UConn odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:26 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): St. John's +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | UConn -530 (bet $530 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): St. John's +9.5 (-102) | UConn -9.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
St. John's vs. UConn picks and predictions
Prediction
UConn 81, St. John's 69
Moneyline
PASS.
UConn has one of the most fluid offenses in the nation and should continue to flex its might over the conference. However, at -530, it has no value on the moneyline.
Against the spread
BET UCONN -9.5 (-120).
The Huskies were down 10-0 to start the game against the Musketeers and showed their abilities in the 2nd half, outscoring a quality Xavier side 53-27. They have a strong offense and defense and are the only team in the country sitting top 10 in both ratings via Kenpom.
The Red Storm have been too inconsistent this season to take here as well. They have lost 5 of their last 12 games and are 5-7 ATS in their last 12 games. St. John's top 7 scoring options all shoot under 45% from the field. That kind of efficiency won't be able to keep up with the Huskies.
Back UCONN -9.5 (-120).
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 145.5 (-110).
St. John's has gone Over in 3 straight games and are on fire offensively, scoring at least 80 in 6 straight games and at least 90 in 3 of its last 6.
UConn has gone Over in 4 of its last 9. It has scored at least 78 points in 6 of its last 9 games. The Huskies have 5 players averaging double figures. That variety in scoring should bode well for points in this battle.
Take OVER 145.5 (-110).
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