St. John's vs. Xavier Prediction and Odds (Back Over Before it Keeps Climbing)

The St. John's Red Storm look to try to stop a two-game losing streak when they head to Xavier for an early evening tip against the Musketeers in Cincinnati.

The Red Storm entered the 2022 season with high expectations, led by star guard Julian Champagnie who's averaging 18.3 points per game. But they've fallen to 5-8 in conference play and 13-11 overall on the year.

Meanwhile, Xavier is 17-7 and continuing to make a case for a decent seed in the NCAA Tournament despite being just over .500 in the Big East at 7-6.

Here are the latest odds for today's early evening tip over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

St. John's vs. Xavier Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• St. John's +8.5 (-110)
• Xavier -8.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• St. John's +290
• Xavier -370

Total:

• 149 (OVER -110 / UNDER -110)

St. John's vs. Xavier Prediction and Pick

Like the Jefferson's deluxe apartment in the sky, this total is "movin' on up!"

After opening at a consensus 148.5, the line has shot up to as high as 150 at multiple books, but WynnBET still has it listed at 149.

Both of these teams play fast. The Red Storm own the second-fastest pace in the country, averaging 14.7 seconds per possession. Meanwhile, the Musketeers aren't far behind them at 16.7 seconds per possession, 47th fastest in college basketball and third in the Big East.

While Xavier's defense has been a calling card for much of the year, they've been put to the test lately in the Big East. They give up just over 65 a game, but over their past four games, Butler, DePaul, Seton Hall and UConn have all gone over that number against them.

St. John's is coming off one of their worst offensive performances over the weekend vs. UConn in a 63-60 loss. I expect them to make more shots in a bounce back effort as both teams look to dictate tempo on their terms.

LEAN: OVER 149 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting picks in real-time HERE!