BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: St. John's @ Villanova

March 1, 2006

With five conference wins, St John's still could use another win to earn the right to play the "good host" role for the Big East tournament in Madison Square Garden. However, travelling to Villanova, it is most likely that their chance for that 6th win will have to wait until the meet Rutgers at home this weekend.

Here are the pregame stories and previews linked from the internet:

Darryl, Sumpter on the Rebound (NY Post)
SJU, 'Nova Shake, Ache (NY Daily News)
Villanova Seniors Hit by Rash of Injuries (AP Story)
Cats' Ray Wearing A Brace But Feeling Optimistic (Philadelphia Inquirer)


For our preview and prediction on the game, click below!

READ REST OF PREVIEW...CLICK "Read More" BELOW


Villanova got some good news on the injury front when it was determined that Allan Ray's sprained knee was not very serious and the senior could play tonight. With this being senior night for Villanova's seniors, he just might give it one last go on the Villanova campus, but sitting him down for most of the game seems like the right choice.

St. John's has shown to be a very gritty team this year. However, the Villanova guards are not a good match-up for them as they are a bit bigger and stronger. The Redstorm should have an inside edge, but the ball pressure that will be put on their guards from Randy Foye and Kyle Lowry will make it tough to take advantage of opportunities to pound it inside.

The Wildcats are 16.5-pt favorites. Without Ray at 100%, it might be tough for Villanova to run completely away from St John's, who will give a full effort for 40 minutes, even though they will be short-handed.

Villanova wins, but the celebration might start a little early, allowing St. John's to stay within the spread.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 74 St John's 59