Xavier Musketeers vs St. John’s Red Storm – Big East Preview – Jan 22, 2025
The Xavier Musketeers (12-7) travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the St. John’s Red Storm (16-3) on January 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. St. John’s leads the Big East and is riding high after returning to the AP Top 25, while Xavier looks to continue its recent winning streak and climb the conference standings.
These teams last met on January 7, 2025, with St. John’s securing an 82-72 road victory. St. John’s has won five straight games and boasts an undefeated record at home this season. Xavier enters the matchup on a three-game winning streak, including an upset over Marquette, and will aim to maintain its strong defensive form.
Xavier Preview – Defense Drives the Momentum
The Musketeers are on a roll, winning three straight games, including a signature 59-57 victory at Marquette on January 18. Xavier’s defense shined in that game, holding Marquette to its lowest point total of the season. However, Xavier struggled with rebounding late in the contest, allowing second-chance opportunities that nearly cost them the win.
Offensively, Xavier leans on Zach Freemantle, who averages 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. Davion McKnight has also been instrumental, contributing on both ends with solid scoring and defensive pressure. The team ranks 28th nationally in three-point shooting percentage but struggles with consistency, as shown by their 5-13-1 over/under record this season.
Xavier will need to improve its road form, where it holds a 2-4 record, to overcome the challenges posed by St. John’s suffocating defense.
St. John’s Preview – Pitino’s Defense Sets the Tone
St. John’s is in first place in the Big East, and Rick Pitino’s second-year squad has exceeded expectations. The Red Storm have dominated defensively, ranking fifth nationally in defensive efficiency and allowing just 66.1 points per game. St. John’s is 12-0 at home this season and hasn’t been challenged at Madison Square Garden.
Rafael Luis leads the charge for St. John’s, with standout performances like his 24-point outing in their recent win over Seton Hall. The team also benefits from balanced scoring and strong rebounding, with Zuby Ejiofor providing a solid presence in the paint. St. John’s is also efficient at getting to the free-throw line, where it ranks among the top teams in the country.
St. John’s has won five straight games, including its victory over Xavier earlier this month, and will look to maintain its defensive dominance and home court advantage.
Betting Prediction
St. John’s is an 8.5-point favorite with the total set at 149.5 points. The Red Storm’s defensive prowess and undefeated home record give them a significant edge, but Xavier’s recent form suggests they can keep the game closer than the spread indicates. St. John’s defense could also push the game under the total.
Projected final score: St. John’s 74, Xavier 67. Look for the under to cash as both teams prioritize defense.
Pick: Xavier +8.5, Under 149.5
