Bill Self and Rick Pitino have been gatekeepers of the bracket for many years. Yet Sunday’s Round of 32 meeting between the No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks and No. 5 St. John’s Red Storm will only be the second time these coaches have clashed.
Oddsmakers expect a close one, giving a slight nod to Pitino and the Johnnies. But my St. John’s vs. Kansas predictions will eschew the points and roll with the Jayhawks to move on to the Sweet 16.
Read on for my March Madness picks for Sunday, March 22.
St. John's vs Kansas prediction
Who will win St. John's vs Kansas?
Kansas: The spread has the St. John's Red Storm favored by -3.5, but game models have this as close as a 1-point finish. I believe the Round of 64 results are skewing things, and that the Kansas Jayhawks can come out on top in San Diego.
St. John's vs Kansas best bet: Kansas moneyline (+140)
In a close game, which this sets up to be, there are factors I weigh heavier than others. The Kansas Jayhawks check those boxes.
First, Kansas is the better 3-point shooting team while St. John’s outside touch is as consistent as the weatherman.
Second, Darryn Peterson is the best player on the floor, and proved his worth by exploding my surefire KU 1H TT Under in just 47 seconds Friday.
Finally, Kansas hits its free throws. In a physical game with two teams that attack, fouls will mount. The Jayhawks are 35th in FT%, and those freebies add up.
COVERS INTEL: Few teams can match St. John’s combo of size and athleticism. But Kansas is bigger and just as athletic, with Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, and Paul Mbiya standing 6-foot-10 or taller.
St. John's vs Kansas same-game parlay
Public perception after the Round of 64 pushed the Johnnies’ price higher than it should be. Kansas may have stumbled into the postseason, but this Jayhawks team is battle tested out of the Big 12 and is a tough matchup for the Red Storm.
Peterson had 28 points with just under six minutes left on Friday, and then didn’t touch the ball for the remainder of the game. He still set a season high in attempts, with 24 FGAs over 37 minutes, and was efficient with 11 makes — four coming from beyond the arc.
He’ll do a better job of getting to the foul line vs. St. John’s and go Over his total once again.
Flory Bidunga has to own the glass, especially on the defensive end. St. John’s is good at crashing the offensive boards, but Bidunga is just as big and athletic. He had only six rebounds in the Round of 64, but averages more than nine. Projections call for 10 boards.
St. John's vs Kansas SGP
- Kansas moneyline
- Darryn Peterson Over 23.5 points
- Flory Bidunga Over 8.5 rebounds
Our Big Dance SGP: Star search
Peterson solidifies his spot atop the NBA mock drafts with a marquee performance against St. John’s in the Round of 32.
St. John's vs Kansas SGP
- Kansas moneyline
- Darryn Peterson Over 23.5 points
- Darryn Peterson Over 1.5 assists
- Darryn Peterson Over 4.5 rebounds
St. John's vs Kansas odds
- Spread: St. John's -3.5 | Kansas +3.5
- Moneyline: St. John's -170 | Kansas +145
- Over/Under: Over 144.5 | Under 144.5
St. John's vs Kansas betting trend to know
Kansas has cashed on the moneyline in 18 of its last 25 games (+6.75 Unit /6% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for St. John's vs. Kansas.
How to watch St. John's vs Kansas
| Location | Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA |
| Date | Sunday, March 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 5:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
St. John's vs Kansas 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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