St. John’s Red Storm (13-7) vs. Xavier Musketeers (10-10)
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Xavier Musketeers 1/31/24 – In a highly anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball showdown, the St. John’s Red Storm, carrying a commendable 13-7 record, will face off against the Xavier Musketeers, who stand evenly at 10-10, on Wednesday. This game is shaping up to be a crucial pivot point for both teams’ seasons, as they seek to improve their standings. The encounter is set to unfold at the Cintas Center, with fans eagerly tuning in at 6:30 PM ET on FS1. Given the current standings and the intense rivalry, this matchup is a prime candidate for handicapping expert tips, offering insights into what could be a pivotal game in the season.
St. John’s Red Storm enter this game boasting an impressive 13-7 record, showing both resilience and skill on the court. Their recent form has been remarkable as evidenced by an 11-5 mark against the spread (ATS) in their last 16 games – an exceptional outperformance of expectations! Their offense features 77.2 points per game with a 44.5% field goal percentage; on defense they average 40.2 rebounds per game to control game pace; yet one of their Achilles Heels may be their 3-point field goal percentage which stands at just 33.3%!
On the other side, the Xavier Musketeers with their even 10-10 record offer an intimidating challenge to their Red Storm rivals. Their offensive strategy has been consistent, averaging 76.8 points per game–nearly matching their opponents–with notable strengths like their 35.1% three-point shooting success rate that could play a pivotal role in breaking down Red Storm defense; free throw accuracy of 73.4% accuracy and 40.2 average rebounding capacity making up equal ground on either side.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Xavier Musketeers 1/31/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 6:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Cintas Center |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Joel Soriano (Center) vs. Quincy Olivari (Guard)
St. John’s centers around Joel Soriano, a traditional big man who does his damage in the paint. In 20 games this season, Soriano is averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting an extremely efficient 63.5% from the field. He provides an interior scoring presence and is absolutely relentless on the glass. However, with averages of just 1.3 assists and 0.1 steals, Soriano offers little in terms of playmaking or perimeter defense.
Meanwhile, Xavier’s Quincy Olivari is an athletic combo guard with a well-rounded offensive game. Through 19 contests, Olivari is putting up 17.9 points per game and connecting on over 42% of his three-point tries. He also chips in 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists as one of the Musketeers’ primary ball handlers. Olivari’s quickness and shooting range make him a difficult assignment for most opponents. That said, he is converting only 43.9% of his shots inside the arc and at 6’3″, could struggle containing the burly Soriano down low.
This individual matchup contrasts styles, with Soriano dominating the paint while Olivari operates best on the perimeter. If Soriano can leverage his size and rebounding to keep Olivari from catching fire from deep, St. John’s chances improve. But Olivari’s nifty shot creation skills and dribble penetration give Xavier a go-to scorer to rely on. Whichever player can stay out of foul trouble and impose their offensive strengths has the edge in this Big East showdown.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds:TBD
The betting odds and point spreads for this game are yet to be determined, which will offer further insights into how the bookmakers view the matchup.
St. John’s Red Storm Betting Trends
The Red Storm enter this matchup with an impressive 11-5 against the spread (ATS) record in their last 16 games. This shows that St. John’s has frequently covered betting lines set by oddsmakers. Additionally, the under has hit in 4 of the Red Storm’s previous 5 contests, signaling lower-scoring affairs. While St. John’s boasts a strong 13-7 straight-up record, they have struggled mightily against Xavier, going 4-14 in the last 18 head-to-head meetings.
Xavier Musketeers Betting Trends
At home, Xavier has protected its floor, going 5-1 straight-up at the Cintas Center. They have especially dominated St. John’s in Cincinnati, winning 7 of 8 all-time home meetings versus the Red Storm. Additionally, the over has hit in 5 straight contests for Xavier against Big East foes and 5 straight January games. These trends indicate an uptempo game with plentiful scoring.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Xavier Musketeers 1/31/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and betting trends, the upcoming game between St. John’s and Xavier promises to be a close contest. While St. John’s has shown consistency, Xavier’s home advantage and superior 3-point shooting could be decisive. The key will be whether St. John’s can counter Xavier’s perimeter shooting with their own offensive and rebounding strengths.
In terms of betting picks, it seems prudent to lean towards Xavier, especially considering their home record and historical dominance over St. John’s. However, the potential for a close game suggests that the point spread could be a critical factor. For those looking for a cost-free NCAAB tip, keep an eye on the over/under trends, as both teams have shown tendencies to engage in high-scoring games.
Free Pick and Prediction: Xavier Musketeers 78, St. John’s Red Storm 74.