The St John’s Red Storm look for back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly three weeks when they host the Kansas State Wildcats as part of the Big 12-Big East Battle.
Though both teams come into this matchup at 6-2, my Kansas State vs. St John’s predictions believe the Red Storm’s tougher slate earns them an advantage.
Here are my college basketball picks for December 8.
Kansas State vs St. John's prediction
My best bet
St. John's -10 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Kansas State Wildcats enter today with wins in four of their last five, including a 120-73 thrashing of Arkansas Pine Bluff last time out.
That was Kansas State’s scoring high for the season so far, a team that averages 81.6 points per game while shooting it at a respectable 49% from the field — including a crisp 38.2% from beyond the arc.
Though off to a good start in its non-conference slate, K-State’s opposition needs to be considered, as it ranks a distant 352nd in KenPom’s strength of schedule ranking.
The Wildcats' only two losses this season — to LSU and Liberty — are the only opponents ranked inside KenPom’s Top 140.
The St. John's Red Storm are two narrow losses from being an undefeated team, with a double-overtime loss to then 13th Baylor and a 66-63 defeat to Georgia being the only blemishes.
St. John’s bounced back from each loss by winning in double figures the next outing, including its most recent 77-64 win over Harvard. In fact, the Red Storm, ranked 20th at KenPom, have won by double digits in each of their six victories on the year.
While they score 82.1 points per game, it’s their ability to defend that makes them a tough out. The Red Storm are tied for 80th in the nation, allowing 66.6 points per game.
Ranked 16th in defensive efficiency, St John’s is by far the best defense the Wildcats will have seen up to this point in the season.
The level up in play, coupled with Kansas State’s first true road game of the season and a St John’s side a perfect 5-0 at home on the year lines up well for the Red Storm.
Kansas State vs St. John's same-game parlay
St. John's -10
RJ Luis Jr. Over 17.5 points
Brendan Hausen Over 2.5 threes
While the Wildcats have been scoring by committee, the main offensive source for the Red Storm is junior guard RJ Luis Jr., who has led the team in scoring five times this season.
Last time out against Harvard, Luis Jr. matched a season high with 24 points while adding 10 rebounds and four assists.
His scoring line is set for 17.5, a number he's crossed four times in his last seven, missing out on another by a single bucket. Each time Luis Jr. has hit the Over, he’s attempted at least 14 field goal attempts. He should be around that figure again today.
K-State junior guard Brendan Hausen has been cooking from 3-point range to start the season, hitting a crisp 40.9% from beyond the arc.
He’s coming off a 14-point game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff where he went 3-for-4 from downtown — the fourth straight game he’s hit at least three triples in a game this season. In fact, he’s hit less than three triples in a game just twice this season.
St John’s is susceptible to the money ball, as opponents are shooting 34.2% against it.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Kansas State vs St. John's odds
Kansas State vs St. John's live odds
Kansas State vs St. John's opening odds
- Spread: Kansas State +10 (-110) | St. John's -10 (-110)
- Moneyline: Kansas State +425 | St. John's -575
- Over/Under: Over 148.5 (-110) | Under 148.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Kansas State vs St. John's betting trend to know
The Red Storm have 32 straight non-conference games at Carnesecca Arena. Find more college basketball betting trends for Kansas State vs. St. John's.
How to watch Kansas State vs St. John's
| Location: | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-7-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 11:30 a.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
Kansas State vs St. John's key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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