Analysis:
I'm playing on GEORGETOWN. The Red Storm are in the wrong place at the wrong time. With an 0-4 conference record (8-8 overall) the Hoyas are going to be a desperate team. The first four Big East teams that the Hoyas faced are all above .500 and they have a combined 48-15 record. St. John's on the other hand, is below .500 overall and 3-6 away from home. The Hoyas could have beaten Butler last time out, as they missed a game-winning shot at the end of regulation and ultimately lost in OT. Stepping down in class, they should find the going much easier.
Even coach Mullin recently acknowledged this of his team: "I'm aware these guys are young an inexperienced ... " Mullin also said this of his team, after it allowed 97 points last time out. "We were very soft. Defensively, we were porous. Basically, we let them do whatever they wanted to do"
The Hoyas crushed the Red Storm in both meetings (92-67, 93-63) last season and they haven't lost to them here since 2003. Note that their poor start to conference play has kept this line lower than it could have been; they were laying -15 against St John's here last season. The Hoyas were also 5-2 ATS (7-0 SU) the past couple of seasons, when facing a sub-500 team, after a minimum of 15 games had been played. Desperate for a victory, I expect them to take advantage of the favorable matchup, covering the small number along the way.
Pick Made: Jan 9 2017 3:33AM PST