Creighton Bluejays (20-7) vs. St. John’s Red Storm (15-12)
Creighton Bluejays vs. St. John’s Red Storm 2/25/24 – Creighton Bluejays will take on St. John’s Red Storm on Sunday in a vital NCAA Men’s Basketball contest that not only could have significant implications for tournament seeding but also offered free sports prediction enthusiasts an exciting contest to follow and analyze.
The Bluejays come into this matchup at Madison Square Garden boasting an impressive 20-7 record, including an 11-4 mark in Big East play. Creighton has one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball, averaging over 81 points per game on 49.1% shooting from the field. They move the ball extremely well and have a number of scoring threats that can take over on any given night.
The Red Storm have been inconsistent this season with a 15-12 record, but they can be dangerous at home. St. John’s has put up respectable offensive numbers, averaging 76.6 points on 44.1% shooting. However, they struggle on the defensive end at times and have a negative scoring margin. For the Red Storm to win this game, they will need big man Joel Soriano to control the paint and their athletic wings to force turnovers.
Creighton Bluejays vs. St. John’s Red Storm 2/25/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Baylor Scheierman (Guard) vs. Joel Soriano (Center)
Baylor Scheierman has put together an incredible junior season for the Bluejays, averaging 18.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting nearly 46% from the field and 37% from three. The 6’7″ guard is a matchup nightmare on the perimeter with his size and shooting ability. He excels at getting his teammates involved but can also take over games with his scoring. For Creighton to win, Scheierman will need another strong all-around performance.
Joel Soriano anchors the Red Storm defense and is a force on the glass, averaging 14.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting nearly 60% from the field. The 6’11” center is an exceptional rebounder and shot blocker who controls the paint on both ends. If he can stay out of foul trouble and contain Scheierman, Soriano gives St. John’s a fighting chance in this matchup. His defense against Creighton’s versatile offense could shift the game.
When Soriano and Scheierman match up, it will be a clash of contrasting styles. If Scheierman can drag Soriano out to the perimeter it could neutralize his shot blocking presence inside. But if Soriano can dominate the glass and paint on both ends it could stifle Creighton’s offense. This individual matchup could end up deciding the game.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The current betting odds for the game remain undecided, making it challenging to provide concrete recommendations. However, based on the teams’ performances and trends, insights for potential bettors lean towards acknowledging Creighton’s stronger overall record and St. John’s resilience at home.
Creighton Bluejays Betting Trends
Creighton has been solid against the spread recently, covering in four of their last five contests. The Bluejays are also 8-4 against the number in road games this season. With an offense that ranks 27th nationally in adjusted efficiency, Creighton has gone over the total in nine of their last 15 road matchups as well.
St. John’s Red Storm Betting Trends
St. John’s has struggled to meet expectations this season, covering just once in their previous five outings. They are below .500 against the spread at home and have seen the over hit in six of their last 15 games at Madison Square Garden. The Red Storm defense ranks 12th worst in the country in adjusted efficiency.
Creighton Bluejays vs. St. John’s Red Storm 2/25/24 Betting Picks
Given my analysis and betting trends, my final thoughts lean towards Creighton Bluejays winning, as their superior scoring ability and defensive solidity should trump St John’s aggressive but less consistent play. However, given Madison Square Garden’s unpredictable nature it could still end up closer than predicted by stats alone.
This prediction considers both teams’ offensive capabilities, with an eye toward creating a high-scoring affair that favors the Bluejays. Expert premium picks require staying informed and taking all angles into consideration to make wise betting decisions.
Free Pick and Prediction: Creighton Bluejays 84, St. John’s Red Storm 76.