Red Storm vs Wildcats Big East Tourney Spread/Handicapping
The Red Storm have become an odd program of late. For years they were trying to reclaim a spot among the upper echelon on the Big East and just when it looked like they might be on that path everything began to unravel.
St. Johns Red Storm (16-14) vs Villanova Wildcats (19-12)
Wednesday March 13
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
7:00PM
Moneyline: No ML currently listed at BetOnline
Spread: Villanova -4.5
O/U: 126
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St. John’s
Player defections and coaching absences completely destroyed their momentum.
They are entering this tournament needing a heck of a run just to qualify somewhere for the postseason.
The likeliness of that happening took a huge hit when they suspended their leading scorer D’Angelo Harrison. Point guard SirDominic Pointer was suspended for their season closing game against Marquette but he is expected to be reinstated for this one. They aren’t making it any easier for forward Jakarr Sampson.
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The lean forward has been solid all season long averaging 14 and 6 against Big East competition – not bad for a frosh.
The Red Storm are dead in the water right now. They have lost their last 4 games offering little hope of a miracle March Madness qualifying run. I am surprised the number isn’t larger as I don’t expect the fact that the game is at MSG to be a factor.
The Wildcats have a nice underdog story going too in general.
Villanova
If you are a bubble team you have to be hoping for Villanova to lose. They finished at 10-8 in the league and I think they have done enough with big wins including a home upset of Georgetown to close the season but you never know. [ad-6571516]
Losing to St. John’s could cast some doubt, especially given that the Red Storm are shorthanded right now. Despite their success this year this team is very unpredictable.
These two teams played a barn burner at the very beginning of conference play. Villanova scored 98 points in overtime, their highest total of the season.
Guard Ryan Arcidiacono scored a season and career high 32 points that night, making 7 3-pointers along the way. The freshman guard can be a real difference maker but like many young players he struggles with consistency. Villanova is probably good enough that they can win this one without a great effort but if they want to advance he is a key weapon.
Love the value on Villanova for this tournament opener for both teams. They are the better team and should still be highly motivated to prove they belong in the tournament.
The Wildcats have been making bettors looks smart all season long.
They are 8-3-1 AT on the road and 1-0 ATS at neutral sites this season.
Spread Pick: Villanova
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Villanova 75 – St. Johns’s 63
