Big East conference play opens as the DePaul Blue Demons visit the St. John’s Red Storm. The Blue Demons are 8-3 but just 1-2 against major conference opposition.
One of the keys to the Red Storm’s recent improvement is a focus on deliberate play and defense.
That’s why the DePaul vs St. John’s predictions and college basketball picks call for a closer-than-expected road cover for DePaul on Tuesday, December 16.
DePaul vs St. John’s prediction
DePaul vs St. John’s best bet: DePaul +19.5 (-110)
The DePaul Blue Demons are unlikely to spring the upset, or even seriously threaten one, but the 19.5-point spread seems like a gift, given the way the St. John’s Red Storm are approaching games post-Thanksgiving.
At the disappointing showing in Vegas, where the Red Storm gave up 80 points to all three opponents, and a loss to Alabama earlier in the season, where St. John’s gave up 100, the team clearly needed a focus on defense.
That’s come since returning from Sin City.
The Red Storm held both Mississippi and Iona to season lows in points. They also pushed their own season low down 11 points in the 63-58 win over Mississippi.
The defensive showcase was what coach Rick Pitino was hoping for, but it also meant that St. John’s failed to cover double-digit spreads in both games and has lost three straight ATS.
DePaul has also held its last two opponents to season-low totals, winning both, straight up and ATS. The Blue Demons have covered spreads against Georgia Tech, Wichita State, and Northwestern this season.
Look for St. John’s to continue its defensive renaissance and get a comfortable win to open conference play, but the point differential won’t hit 20.
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DePaul vs St. John’s same-game parlay
The Red Storm were averaging just over 80 possessions per game early in the season. The renewed interest in defense since Thanksgiving has slowed that to an average in the low 70s.
St. John’s has gone Under in three straight and five of seven. DePaul has also cashed the game total Under in three straight.
DePaul’s N.J. Benson is an old-school post player. This season, 60 of his 73 shots have come at the rim, including 28 dunks. He’s averaging 11.3 points per game, but DePaul’s schedule deserves an assist.
He didn’t face anyone like St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor while putting up 26 against Arkansas-Pine Blue or 16 against Stonehill and Chicago State. In four games against major or high mid-major opposition, he’s averaged 8.3 and reached double figures just once.
DePaul vs St. John’s SGP
- DePaul +19.5
- Under 151.5
- N.J. Benson Under 9.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Bryced out
St. John’s playing slower and more deliberately also means being more careful with shot selection. After taking at least three attempts from 3-point range in six straight, Bryce Hopkins has taken a total of three outside shots in his last two. He’s also been in single digits in shot attempts in the last two games, averaging seven a night.
DePaul vs St. John’s SGP
- DePaul +19.5
- Under 151.5
- N.J. Benson Under 9.5 points
- Bryce Hopkins Under 14.5 points
DePaul vs St. John’s odds
- Spread: DePaul +19.5 (-110) | St. John’s -19.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: DePaul +1650 | St. John’s -6600
- Over/Under: Over 151.5 (-110) | Under 151.5 (-110)
DePaul vs St. John’s betting trend to know
DePaul has covered the Spread in 8 of their last 15 away games (+0.30 Units / 2% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for DePaul vs. St. John’s.
How to watch DePaul vs St. John’s
| Location | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY |
| Date | Tuesday, December 16, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
DePaul vs St. John’s key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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