After getting blown out the last time these two teams met, the St. John’s Red Storm is out for revenge against the UConn Huskies, as Rick Pitino’s squad aims for that Big East title and an automatic spot in March Madness. The Huskies defeated the Red Storm by 32 points, and that defeat still has St. John’s reeling. The question is, will St. John’s be able to exorcise its past demons and finally beat UConn or will a repeat blowout happen again?
As for UConn, they are trying to preserve their No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA National Championship Tournament or March Madness, and a loss to St. John’s could pull them down to a No. 2 or No. 3 seed. A lot is on the line for these two teams, with St. John’s getting a better seed in addition to an automatic spot should they win this one.
UConn vs. St. John’s Men’s Basketball Projected Starting Lineups
UConn Huskies
- F Alex Karaban
- C Tarris Reed Jr.
- G Braylon Mullins
- G Silas Demary Jr.
- G Solo Ball
St. John’s Red Storm
- F Dillon Mitchell
- F Zuby Ejiofor
- F Bryce Hopkins
- G Joson Sanon
- G Oziyah Sellers
The last time these two teams met, the Huskies held the Red Storm to just 40 points for the entire game, with only Joson Sanon in double figures for St. John’s. Rick Pitino can rectify that, as the Red Storm did have a victory against the Huskies earlier this season.
As for UConn, it was their bigs that dominated the game, with center Tarris Reed Jr. having a double-double of 20 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and six blocks, showing how effective he can be on both sides of the court.
UConn vs. St. John’s Men’s Basketball Injury Report
UConn Huskies
- Jaylin Stewart: Out (Knee)
St. John’s Red Storm
- Kelvin Odih: Out for season (Leg)
- Casper Pohto: Out for season (Hip)
- Imran Suljanovic: Out for season (Patella)
The Huskies will be missing Jaylin Stewart in the Big East final, as he is expected to miss the entirety of the Big East tournament due to a knee injury, but may be coming back in time for the NCAA Tournament. As for St. John’s, its usual three players are missing the game as all three are out of action for the rest of the season due to different injuries.
UConn vs. St. John’s Men’s Basketball Prediction
The series is tied 1-1, but UConn’s win during their second meeting has exposed St. John’s weaknesses. However, Rick Pitino may have adjusted already and is ready to bounce back. Despite this, UConn has been too good and has too much to lose, so expect the Huskies to get serious once again and win this one.
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