Skip to content

Expert Picks & Predictions – St John’s vs Connecticut (Feb 25)

Chris Wright

By Chris Wright in College Basketball

Published:


St. John's goes for the season sweep tonight at UConn.
Feb 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) takes a three point shot past UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
  • St. John’s has won 3 in a row vs UConn — including earlier this season
  • UConn is 3-12 ATS as a home favorite this season
  • Our analysis backs the Red Storm to cover +5.5 due to a massive edge on the offensive glass

Does St. John’s have UConn’s number?

The Red Storm swept the season series against the Huskies last year and will try to repeat that feat tonight at UConn. Tip-off is set for 7 pm, ET (Peacock).

St. John’s (22-5, 15-1 Big East) beat UConn 81-72 on Feb. 6 at Madison Square Garden — part of the No. 15 Red Storm’s 13-game winning streak that has taken them to the top of the Big East standings.

No. 6 UConn (25-3, 15-2 Big East) is just a half-game back.

Despite the Red Storm’s dominance over the past month, sportsbooks have installed the Huskies as significant home favorites. We break down the statistical mismatches and betting value for this pivotal conference showdown.

St. John’s vs UConn Best Bets & Expert Predictions

The Huskies are 13-2 at home but they are just 3-12 ATS as a home favorite.

Spread Pick: St. John’s +6.5 (-112 at DraftKings)

We are taking the points with the road team. St. John’s possesses the specific personnel required to disrupt UConn’s rhythm: length, athleticism, and a relentless motor on the boards.

The defining variable in this handicap is the offensive rebounding battle. The Red Storm boast the Big East’s most efficient second-chance unit, anchored by Zuby Ejiofor (93 offensive rebounds, 2nd in Big East) and Dillon Mitchell (67 offensive rebounds). This ability to generate extra possessions is the great equalizer against a superior shooting team. St. John’s isn’t just winning; the Johnnies are overwhelming opponents physically.

Catching more than two full possessions with the conference leader is a high-value proposition.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
LOCK IN PROMO
SIGNUP PROMO
SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Total Prediction: Under 147.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

Expect a defensive struggle rather than a shootout. While both teams have efficient offenses, their defensive metrics—specifically rim protection—suggest points in the paint will be hard to come by.

  • Interior Defense: St. John’s center Zuby Ejiofor averages 1.93 blocks per game, while UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. turns away 2.0 shots per contest. Both bigs are disciplined defenders who force opponents into low-percentage mid-range jumpers.
  • Perimeter Pressure: The pace should be dictated by UConn guard Silas Demary Jr., whose 47 steals lead the team. His on-ball pressure against St. John’s backcourt of Ian Jackson and Oziyah Sellers will likely extend possessions deep into the shot clock.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.
LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: SBD1500
CODE: SBD1500
SIGNUP BONUS
GET UP TO
$1,500 BACK

IN BONUS BETS!

BET NOW

The college basketball public betting splits for this Big East heavyweight bout reveal a distinct “Pros vs. Joes” dynamic on the spread.

The ticket count heavily favors the hot hand. St. John’s 13-game winning streak has captivated the public, with 58.01% of spread bets landing on the Red Storm +5.5. However, the handle (total money wagered) tells a different story. Despite fewer tickets, 51.17% of the cash is on UConn to cover. This indicates that larger, sharper wagers are respecting the Huskies’ home-court advantage and fading the public dog.

Confidence in a UConn outright victory is sky-high. The Huskies are commanding 83.77% of moneyline tickets and 76.08% of the handle. The market consensus is clear: bettors expect UConn to win the game, even if the final margin falls within the spread.

The market aligns with our defensive projection. Currently, 58.45% of bets and 56.27% of the money are on the UNDER. The consensus respects the defensive capabilities of both Reed and Ejiofor, anticipating a grinding affair in Hartford.

St. John’s vs UConn Stats Comparison

Who has the edge in tonight’s Big East showdown?

CategorySt. John’sUConn
Record22-5 (15-1 Big East)25-3 (15-2 Big East)
AP RankingNo. 15No. 6
RPI RankingNo. 24No. 5
Points Per Game83.979.2
Points Allowed71.366.0
Scoring Margin+12.6+13.2
Strength of Schedule0.57160.5811

St. John’s vs UConn Odds

The latest odds for Wednesday’s game at PeoplesBank Arena reflect UConn’s dominance at home, though the line remains competitive.

  • Moneyline: St. John’s +185 | UConn -226
  • Spread: St. John’s +5.5 (-116) | UConn -5.5 (-104)
  • Total: Over 147.5 (-106) | Under 147.5 (-114)

Odds as of February 25, 2026, from consensus sportsbooks.

The -226 moneyline on UConn implies they are heavy favorites to win outright, but the spread of 5.5 suggests a competitive two-possession game. The juice on the Under (-114) indicates oddsmakers are shading the total down, respecting the defensive prowess of both frontcourts.

Implied Winning Probabilities

Removing the vigorish (the sportsbook’s fee) provides the true implied probability of victory for each side:

  • UConn Huskies: 66.4%
  • St. John’s Red Storm: 33.6%

Potential Payouts

For bettors looking to play the moneyline on a standard $20 wager:

  • Betting UConn (-226): A $20 bet returns $28.85 (includes $8.85 profit).
  • Betting St. John’s (+185): A $20 bet returns $57.00 (includes $37.00 profit).
  • BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

    USE CODE SBD1500 TO GET UP TO $1,500 PAID BACK

  • BET365 SPORTSBOOK

    BET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365

  • THESCORE BET SPORTSBOOK

    USE CODE DIME TO GET 100% BET RESET UP TO $1,000

  • DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

    BET $5 & GET $200 IN BONUS BETS IF YOUR BET WINS

  • FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

    BET $5 & GET $100 IF YOUR BET WINS

  • CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

    USE CODE SBD250BM & GET A BET MATCH ON YOUR FIRST BET UP TO $250!

  • FANATICS SPORTSBOOK

    GET 100% BET MATCH UP TO $100 FOR 10 DAYS

  • DRAFTKINGS T&Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

  • BET365 SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.

  • BETMGM SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

Chris Wright

A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Chris Wright is an Evergreen and AI editor for Saturday Down South, Saturday Tradition, Crossing Broad, Sports Betting Dime and ESNY.

NFL NBA MLB NCAAF NCAAB Tennis

Recommended Reading