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St. John’s vs DePaul: Big East Showdown Analysis and Betting Preview
Red Storm’s Momentum Meets DePaul’s Home Court Advantage
The stage is set at Wintrust Arena for an intriguing Big East matchup between the surging St. John’s Red Storm (22-4) and the DePaul Blue Demons (11-15). Despite the apparent disparity in their records, this contest promises more intrigue than the numbers might suggest, particularly given DePaul’s recent home court performances and the historical scoring patterns between these programs.
St. John’s Offensive Arsenal
The Red Storm enters this confrontation riding high after their impressive 79-73 victory over Creighton, marking their ninth win in ten games. Their offensive framework revolves around RJ Luis Jr., who has emerged as their primary scoring threat, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. The team’s offensive depth is further enhanced by Zuby Ejiofor‘s consistent production (13.9 PPG, 8 RPG) and Kadary Richmond’s all-around contribution (12.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.1 APG).
St. John’s collective offensive output of 78.2 points per game on 44.7% shooting demonstrates their ability to maintain pressure throughout games. However, their three-point shooting (29.3%) remains an area for improvement, potentially affecting their scoring dynamics against zone defenses.
DePaul’s Quest for Resurgence
Despite their recent 85-68 setback against Xavier, the Blue Demons have shown flashes of competitive play, particularly at home. CJ Gunn leads their scoring charge with 12.3 PPG, while Jacob Meyer provides reliable support with 10.9 PPG. The team’s offensive efficiency (44.2% field goal percentage) nearly matches St. John’s, suggesting they can keep pace in high-scoring affairs.
What’s particularly noteworthy is DePaul’s superior three-point shooting (34.1%) compared to St. John’s, potentially providing an unexpected advantage in this matchup. Conor Enright’s playmaking (6.2 APG) has been crucial in facilitating their offense and creating opportunities for teammates.
Historical Context and Scoring Trends
Recent history between these teams suggests a high-scoring affair is likely. Their previous encounter this season produced 150 points, with St. John’s contributing 89. Moreover, the last nine meetings at Wintrust Arena have consistently exceeded 145 points, establishing a clear pattern for over bettors to consider.
Strategic Implications
St. John’s enters as the clear favorite, but several factors warrant consideration:
- The Red Storm’s road performance in conference play has seen lower scoring totals
- DePaul’s home court advantage has been significant, with the home team winning five of their last six games
- The contrasting three-point shooting percentages could play a crucial role in determining the game’s pace and final score
Insights
How significant is St. John’s current momentum?
Their nine wins in ten games demonstrate exceptional form, but conference road games have proven challenging, with three of their last four producing lower scoring totals than expected.
Can DePaul overcome their ranked opponent struggles?
While they’ve lost 19 straight against ranked opponents, their home court advantage and improved offensive efficiency suggest they could at least keep the scoring competitive.
What makes this matchup particularly interesting for bettors?
The consistent high-scoring history between these teams at Wintrust Arena, combined with St. John’s current offensive prowess and DePaul’s home scoring tendency, creates an intriguing over/under scenario.
How might three-point shooting impact the game?
DePaul’s superior three-point percentage could force St. John’s to adjust their defensive strategy, potentially opening up opportunities for both teams to score more freely.
What’s the most strategic betting approach?
Given the historical scoring patterns and current team dynamics, the over presents as an attractive option, particularly considering the teams’ combined offensive capabilities and the venue’s history of high-scoring affairs.
