It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the Butler Bulldogs (11-7, 2-3 Big East) welcome the St. John’s Red Storm (15-3, 3-3 Big East) to Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
St. John’s Red Storm at Butler Bulldogs Free Prediction
The last time the Red Storm played, they beat the Creighton Bluejays, 81-66. The Red Storm had a much better free throw rate (0.188 vs. 0.050) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 21.7). St. John’s was led by LJ Figueroa, who recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs dismantled the DePaul Blue Demons in their last outing, 87-69. Butler was lights out from beyond the arc (13-28; 46.4 percent). DePaul, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.156 vs. 0.067). With 17 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, Butler’s Kamar Baldwin had a solid game.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Red Storm won the last game 75-68. Converting at the free throw line was one of St. John’s’ biggest advantages. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Bulldogs were just 6-12 (50.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Justin Simon (15 points,5.6 assists,5.4 rebounds,1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Red Storm while Baldwin (19 points,4.2 assists,1.4 steals) has contributed greatly to the Bulldogs.
St. John’s should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Red Storm currently rank 36th in offensive efficiency, while Butler ranks 189th in defensive efficiency.
St. John’s vs. Butler Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
St. John’s ranks 17th in steals per game (8.8) while Butler ranks 149th (5.8).
The Bulldogs average 24.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 86th in the NCAA. The Red Storm rank 207th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
St. John’s ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Butler ranks 98th (3.5).
The Red Storm rank 166th in rebounds per game (34.9) while the Bulldogs rank 232nd (32.7).
Butler ranks 45th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while St. John’s ranks 110th (12.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Red Storm’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 10.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (4.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (6.5 above their season average).
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