St. John's at Villanova

The top ranked team in college basketball has been knocked off six times already this season. An up-tempo St. John's squad tries to do it again. Since respectable efforts against Villanova and Xavier (another top-10 team), St. John's has lost its last two against Butler and Georgetown. The Red Storm also has a win over Syracuse as a +10 dog, 84-72. The Red Storm has played some of its best basketball in away games, taking #6 Xavier to the wire at the Cintas Center behind another strong performance from freshman Kassoum Yakwe, who posted 14 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. Since entering the starting lineup on Jan. 9, Yakwe has averaged eight points, seven rebounds and four blocks. In the first matchup this season, Villanova only led by one at halftime before pulling away. Look for another big effort by the visitors, who have played well against powerhouse teams. Take the points on St. John's.