St. John's vs Xavier Basketball: Preview, Odds & Prediction
As the college basketball season heats up in the Big East Conference, all eyes are on the matchup between the No. 17 St. John's Red Storm and the Xavier Musketeers. Scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET, this game at Madison Square Garden promises high stakes and intense action. St. John's, riding an impressive nine-game winning streak, enters as massive favorites against a Xavier team looking to snap a disappointing stretch. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a betting enthusiast, here's everything you need to know about this pivotal Big East clash.
Game Details: How to Watch St. John's vs Xavier
The Red Storm (18-5 overall, 11-1 in Big East play) host the Musketeers (12-11 overall, 4-8 in conference) in New York City. Fans can catch the live broadcast on FS1, with streaming options available on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports App, and FOX One—perfect for cord-cutters with a free seven-day trial. Madison Square Garden's electric atmosphere will amplify the drama, making this a can't-miss event for college hoops lovers.
Betting Odds and Predictions: St. John's Heavy Favorites
Oddsmakers have St. John's as 16.5-point favorites, reflecting their dominant form. The over/under is set at 160.5 points, with moneyline odds at -1887 for the Red Storm and +962 for Xavier. Based on implied probabilities, St. John's boasts a 95% chance of victory, while Xavier's upset odds sit at just 9.4%.
Expert picks lean towards Xavier covering the +16.5 spread and the game going under 160.5 total points. The predicted score? St. John's 85, Xavier 70. These lines suggest a controlled, defensive battle, especially given Xavier's recent struggles on the road. Bettors should note that St. John's has a 13-10-0 ATS record this season, while Xavier stands at 12-11-0. However, the Musketeers have yet to cover as underdogs by 16.5 or more in their one such opportunity.
Key Betting Insights
- St. John's games have gone over 160.5 points nine times this year.
- Xavier contests have exceeded that mark seven times.
- Combined, these teams average 161.2 points per game, slightly above the total.
- St. John's is 17-3 as moneyline favorites and perfect (6-0) at -1887 or shorter.
- Xavier has won 30.8% of games as underdogs (4-9).
Implied score from the spread: St. John's 88, Xavier 72. For those wagering, always bet responsibly and check local regulations via FOX Sports' affiliate links.
Team Previews: St. John's Red Storm on Fire
The Red Storm are the Big East's hottest team, winners of nine straight and leading the conference with an 11-1 record. Averaging 84.4 points per game (30th nationally), they excel in assists (16.0, 65th) and rebounds (11.4 offensive, 30th). Defensively, they allow 71.8 points (124th), making them a balanced powerhouse. Their three-point shooting lags at 7.5 makes per game (214th), but their interior dominance and low turnovers (10.6, 126th) keep opponents at bay.
St. John's has dominated recent head-to-heads, winning the last three meetings: 88-83 on Jan. 24, 2026 (as 8.5-point favorites), 79-71 on Jan. 22, 2025, and 82-72 on Jan. 7, 2025. This streak underscores their edge in this rivalry.
Xavier Musketeers: Fighting for Relevance
Xavier's season has been a rollercoaster, with a middling 12-11 record and 4-8 in Big East play. They score 76.8 points per game (163rd) and allow 77.7 (283rd), showing defensive vulnerabilities. Strengths include assists (18.0, 19th nationally) and three-point volume (9.4 makes, 64th), but rebounding is a weak spot (8.4 offensive, 267th) and turnovers are low (10.0, 64th).
The Musketeers need a spark to climb the standings and build momentum toward March Madness. Facing a top-20 foe on the road will test their resilience, especially after failing to cover big spreads earlier this year.
Key Players to Watch: Stars Lighting Up the Court
St. John's Standouts
Leading the charge is Zuby Ejiofor, averaging 15.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks across 23 games. Bryce Hopkins contributes 13.6 points and 5.5 boards, while Ian Jackson and Oziyah Sellers each add 10.9 points with solid perimeter shooting (1.6 threes each). Dillon Mitchell rounds out the core with 9.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, providing frontcourt muscle.
These players have fueled St. John's streak, blending scoring, defense, and playmaking seamlessly.
Xavier's Top Performers
Tre Carroll is Xavier's go-to scorer at 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, with 1.4 threes. Roddie Anderson III offers 11.2 points and 2.4 assists, Jovan Milicevic matches his scoring with 1.9 threes, and Malik Moore chips in 10.8 points plus 3.7 assists. Filip Borovicanin provides balance with 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.
If Carroll and the shooters get hot from beyond the arc, Xavier could keep it competitive. Their assist numbers suggest strong ball movement, which might exploit St. John's occasional lapses.
Stats Comparison: Where the Edge Lies
St. John's outpaces Xavier in scoring (84.4 vs. 76.8) and defense (71.8 allowed vs. 77.7), with superior rebounding (39.0 total vs. Xavier's lower marks). Xavier edges in threes and assists, potentially opening floor spacing. Turnovers are even, but St. John's lower points allowed could dictate a lower-scoring affair.
Recent form favors the hosts: St. John's is 3-3 ATS as 16.5+ favorites, while Xavier's underdog woes persist.
Why This Game Matters for Xavier Basketball
For Xavier, a competitive showing could boost confidence and improve their NCAA tournament resume. The Musketeers, known for their passionate fanbase in Cincinnati, have a history of Big East contention but need wins against quality opponents. St. John's, meanwhile, eyes a conference title and deep March run.
As the season progresses, this matchup highlights the Big East's depth. Tune in to see if Xavier pulls off the surprise or if St. John's extends their reign. For more college basketball coverage, follow Everythiiing.com for updates, analysis, and highlights.
