UConn vs St. John’s Picks and Predictions: Huskies Ready to End Johnnies’ MSG Magic

Connecticut Huskies (18-8 SU, 11-15 ATS) vs. St. John’s Red Storm (23-4 SU, 16-10-1 ATS)

When: Sunday, February 23rd, 12:00 PM (ET)

Where: Madison Square Garden, NY, New York

TV: FOX

Point Spread: UCONN +4.5/STJOHN -4.5

Total: 138.5

Money Line: Connecticut Huskies +160/-195

Notable Injuries

Huskies

Red Storm

• RJ Luis Jr. (Questionable) Groin
• Brady Dunlap (Out) Hand
• Jaiden Glover (Out) Wrist

Recent Form

Connecticut Huskies Recent Game/Games

The Huskies improved to 18-8 on the season with a 66-59 win over Villanova on Tuesday. Connecticut was favored by 8.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 125 fell short of the 137.5 O/U line.

Connecticut turned things around in the second half, outscoring Villanova 40-25 after trailing 34-26 at halftime. Their strong defensive effort was key to the comeback.

St. John’s Red Storm Recent Game/Games

St. John’s improved to 23-4 on the season with an 82-58 road win over DePaul on Wednesday. The Red Storm entered the game as -11.5 favorites and covered the spread.

St. John’s took control early, leading 41-25 at halftime, and matched that effort in the 2nd half, outscoring DePaul 41-33. The game total of 140 points fell just under the 142.5 O/U line.

Analysis

Connecticut’s offense put up 66 points in their last game, shooting 45.1% from the field. They were effective inside, hitting 59.4% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 4 of 19 threes (21.1%). Their effective field goal percentage was 49%, and they were strong at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 18 attempts (88.9%).

Liam McNeeley led the way with 20 points, while Wooga Poplar added 19, though he shot just 7 of 21 from the field. Eric Dixon also struggled, hitting only 3 of 13 shots. Tarris Reed Jr. was efficient, making 6 of 8 attempts, and Jordan Longino connected on 5 of 7 shots, including 2 of 3 from three-point range.

Connecticut’s defense gave up 59 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 45% from the field, hitting 23 of 51 attempts. Inside the arc, their opponents were 19/32, shooting 59% on two-point attempts.

From three-point range, Connecticut held their opponents to 4/19 shooting, just 21%. They also sent them to the line 18 times, where they converted 16 free throws, an 88% success rate. Connecticut allowed 10 offensive rebounds.

St. John’s put up 82 points in their last game, shooting 46.4% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc, hitting nine threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 52.2%, and they connected on 81.8% of their free throws, going 9-for-11 from the line.

Deivon Smith led the way with 18 points and five assists, shooting 60% from deep. Kadary Richmond added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Isaiah Rivera hit four threes, finishing with 16 points. CJ Gunn contributed 12 points and grabbed 10 boards.

St. John’s put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponent to just 58 points on 32% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective inside, allowing only eight two-point baskets on 25 attempts.

From beyond the arc, St. John’s gave up 10 threes on 30 attempts, a 33% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the line 12 times, where they converted all their free throws. On the boards, St. John’s limited second-chance opportunities, giving up just seven offensive rebounds.

Betting Trends

• The Huskies are 2-1 ATS in their three last road games and 2-1 straight-up.
• The Red Storm are 4-1 ATS in their last home games and 4-1 straight-up.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Connecticut has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 5-5 straight up.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Red Storm have an overall record of 2-1 while going 1-2 against the spread.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

St John’s has yet to lose at home this year, sitting at a perfect 16-0. However, this isn’t a traditional road game for UConn, as Madison Square Garden has been known as their home away from home. The oddsmakers have St. John’s favored by -4.5, but I see UConn picking up a statement win. For my Sunday CBB pick, I’m going bold and taking the Huskies on the money line.