Connecticut Huskies vs St. John’s Red Storm Betting Preview
The Connecticut Huskies visit the St. John’s Red Storm in a Big East Conference matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York. Connecticut enters with a 22-1 record and looks to build on a dominant win over Xavier, while St. John’s aims to defend its 17-5 overall mark after a victory against DePaul. With the Huskies favored by 1.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Connecticut’s efficiency and St. John’s offensive firepower.
Line Movement and Odds
Connecticut is favored, but St. John’s home record makes this line worth tracking. Current market:
- Connecticut Spread: -1.5 (-115)
- St. John’s Spread: +1.5 (-109)
- Connecticut MoneyLine: -132
- St. John’s MoneyLine: +106
- Total: 144.5 (-110)
Check the college basketball picks for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Connecticut’s road dominance against St. John’s ability to cover spreads.
Matchup Breakdown
Connecticut Outlook
The Huskies average 79.6 points per game, with Silas Demary Jr., Tarris Reed Jr., and Stephon Castle leading the offense. Demary’s 17 points and 8 assists vs Xavier highlighted his playmaking, while Reed’s perfect shooting added balance. Connecticut’s efficiency (22-1 overall record; 9-0 on the road; 48.8% FG shooting, 33rd nationally; 18.5 assists per game, 14th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and move the ball makes them dangerous favorites.
St. John’s Outlook
The Red Storm average 84.6 points per game, with Bryce Hopkins, Zuby Ejiofor, and RJ Luis Jr. driving production. Ejiofor’s 16 points vs DePaul highlighted his consistency, while Hopkins’ scoring adds balance. St. John’s efficiency (17-5 overall record; 11-3 at home; 19.3 free throws made per game, 18th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and capitalize on free throws makes them tough to beat in New York.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on tempo and perimeter shooting. Connecticut thrives on Demary’s playmaking and Reed’s efficiency, while St. John’s must rely on Hopkins’ scoring and Ejiofor’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide whether St. John’s can cover the spread.
Injuries / Availability
Connecticut: The Huskies report no fresh injury concerns heading into Friday’s contest.
St. John’s: The Red Storm are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
Madison Square Garden has been a fortress for St. John’s, where they’ve gone 11-3 this season. Connecticut, however, has shown resilience with a perfect 9-0 road record, making this a clash of Huskies’ road dominance versus Red Storm’s home grit.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: St. John’s 82, Connecticut 80
- St. John’s +1.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and scoring efficiency suggest they can keep the game closer than expected.
- Over 144.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring averages point toward a combined score above the line.
St. John’s depth and offensive firepower should carry them to a narrow victory, while Connecticut’s efficiency keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans higher-scoring, with totals landing comfortably over the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Big East games often spotlight tempo mismatches and perimeter battles. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference efficiency trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Connecticut vs St. John’s, premium insights are also available at Buy Picks, helping bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.



