Kansas vs. St. John’s: Preview, Odds, and Prediction

It is a matter of survival to make the Sweet 16 with the No. 4 seed Kansas and No. 5 seed St. John’s having a highly anticipated second-round game in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament. Who will prevail?

Will Peterson Be Able To Carry the Momentum?

Kansas will have confidence in the game following its first-round win. Much of the focus is on Darryn Peterson. He could be the top pick in the NBA Draft. Having earlier experienced cramping problems in the season, Peterson seems to be returning to his normal self at the right time.

He was great in the first round, scoring 28 points and playing heavy minutes. His new workload indicates that he is the guy who has been fully trusted once more, and this might be a significant boost to the Jayhawks.

But Kansas has not been very consistent this season. Their losses to Cincinnati and Arizona State raise doubts about the team’s cohesiveness and its capability to turn the tables. Although the talent cannot be doubted, there are doubts about whether the group can unite against elite competition.

How to Watch 

The game will be tonight at 5:15 p.m. ET. It will be held in the Viejas Arena in San Diego, California. CBS will be the spot for fans to watch live.

St. John’s: Defense and Grit Are the Identity

St. John’s, led by Rick Pitino, brings a different kind of challenge. The Red Storm depends on defense, and it is one of the best units in the country. Being physical and working tirelessly has been very instrumental in their success.

Whichever player controls the interior could significantly influence the outcome, especially given St. John’s emphasis on rebounding and second-chance opportunities. Their dominant performance in the Big East Tournament, which they won by a decisive margin, even in the game against UConn, demonstrated their capability to trudge over good competition.

Discipline is the core identity of any team, although Kansas is currently lacking and has failed to play against such hard defenses. The paint fight between Zuby Ejiofor and Flory Bidunga may be a determining factor. Bidunga has been with Kansas throughout, but Ejiofor is a tough guy to deal with due to his physical approach and his energy.

Betting Odds

Spread: St. John’s -2.5

Total: 142.5 points

Prediction

This is likely to be a close game, and the two teams will bring different styles. Kansas possesses the offensive fire, more so with Peterson getting back to his groove, but the defensive strength and unity of St. John’s can spell the difference.

Prediction: St. John’s 75 vs. Kansas 73. St. John’s seems to be in a little better spot to advance tonight. Their defense and physicality will help them win by a slim margin and book a spot in the Sweet 16.