Feast Week gets underway in college hoops with some tremendous matchups, including a Top-25 matchup on Monday afternoon in Las Vegas. St. John’s and Iowa State gets underway with a 1:30pm PT local tip in Vegas, 4:30pm ET. Let’s breakdown a prediction for the Red Storm vs. the Cyclones.
St. John’s vs. Iowa State (Monday – 4:30pm ET)
Both of these teams are known for locking in on the defensive side of the ball, but are putting up some big numbers offensively in the early going this season. While KenPom still ranks both defenses highly in terms of defensive efficiency — SJU (13th) and ISU (7th) — the offense has been the storyline with both teams.
Through four games, St. John’s is averaging 98.5 points, and and playing at one of the fastest paces in the country. The Johnnie’s dropped 96 on Alabama at Madison Square Garden, however, the problem was that they gave up an uncharacteristic 103 points to the Crimson Tide. Iowa State should be able to find its offense in this game, but the question is who will control the pace?
If the Cyclones have their way, they’ll slow the game down a bit with their hounding defense, and swing the game in their favor. Iowa State has scored at least 96 points in each of its last three games, including a dominant win over Mississippi State on a neutral floor. Guard play and spreading the floor with shooters were big in that win, and that’s something the Red Storm don’t have as much of.
Both of these rosters are filled with veterans, but Iowa State has veteran ball handlers and more capable shooters to maintain more balance on offense. I could see St. John’s going through some scoring struggles at times with their bigger lineup, giving the Cyclones some chances to break open a lead.
This is a fantastic matchup between two teams fully capable of making a run to the Final Four. I’m a big believer in St. John’s long-term, but in this early season matchup, I think Iowa State holds the edge.
College Basketball Pick: Iowa State Moneyline (-135)
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