Big East heavyweights are set to meet tonight at Madison Square Garden. Villanova (22-6, 13-4) has enjoyed a terrific season under new head coach Kevin Willard. However, the Wildcats still need to prove they can take down elite teams. They’ll have a chance to do so on Saturday against #15 St. John’s (22-6, 15-2). Despite a humiliating loss to UConn on Wednesday, the Red Storm still have their eyes set on a second consecutive conference title.
St. John’s enters Saturday as 7.5-point favorites (-108) over Villanova. The total is set at 147.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for tonight’s game between the Red Storm and Villanova.
Villanova vs. St. John’s prediction, preview
The Wildcats have missed the NCAA Tournament for three straight years, a baffling streak for such a prestigious program. Barring a catastrophic end to the regular season, that streak is set to end in 2026. An improved roster was expected with Willard at the helm. However, few could have expected such a drastic turnaround. Villanova sits at 28th on KenPom with a +21.32 net rating, third-best among all Big East schools. It’s a well-rounded group as well, ranking 36th and 35th in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, respectively.
What’s most impressive about this squad is that they take care of business. Nova has gone 15-1 combined against Quads 2, 3 and 4opponents. On the other hand, they’ve recorded a mediocre 2-5 record vs. Quad 1 foes. The Wildcats have yet to take down a team currently ranked in this week’s AP Poll, although they’ve come close. Villanova has suffered digit losses to #19 BYU, #6 UConn, and none other than St. John’s.
The Wildcats lean heavily on their talented back court. The trio of Tyler Perkins, Bryce Lindsay and Acaden Lewis are each averaging over 12.0 points per game. Down low, double-double machine Duke Brennan has been a force, as well (11.9 PPG, 10.4 REB). Off the bench, Devin Askew is one of the nation’s better shooters (42.5% 3PT). If this crew has a notable weakness, it’s on the glass. Villanova has a 50.3% total rebounding percentage, tied for 167th among all Division I programs. Outside of Brennan and Perkins, nobody on this roster is snagging more than 3.6 boards per game.
Things were going smoothly for most of February in Queens. The Johnnies, prior to Wednesday night, had reeled off 13 straight wins. Then came a date with UConn in Hartford, resulting in a shocking 72-40 defeat. There’s no shame in losing to the Huskies, a team St. John’s beat earlier this month. Scoring just 14 points in the second half is a much different story. Aberration? Maybe, but it’s reasonable to express some concern for the Red Storm.
Expect SJU to come out with something to prove on Saturday. After all, few teams in the nation have been as dominant as the Johnnies over the past few weeks. Down low, Zuby Ejiofor has put together another phenomenal campaign. Over 28 games, the center is averaging 15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists. On defense, he’s tallied 1.1 steals and 1.9 blocks. Elsewhere, forward Bryce Hopkins has been an ideal second option (13.8 PPG, 6.0 REB). In the back court, Oziyah Sellers and Ian Jackson have combined for 20.8 points per game. Head coach Rick Pitino isn’t afraid to lean on his bench, making this one of college basketball’s deepest rosters.
If there’s a weakness for the Red Storm, it’s three-point shooting. They’ve gone 33.8% from long distance, ranking 302nd in the sport. In comparison, the Wildcats are holding their opponents to 33.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Whichever side controls that aspect of the game will likely emerge victorious.
St. John’s vs. Villanova pick, best bet
The Johnnies deserve plenty of praise for reeling off 13 straight victories. With that being said, five of their last six wins have come by single digits. Villanova has certainly had its struggles against elite competition. However, as previously mentioned, they’ve managed to hang tough on several occasions. Expect the Wildcats to remain competitive in this intense Big East clash.
