Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/25/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/25/26

ST. JOHN’S @ UCONN (UCONN -5.5, 147.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

RED STORM @ HUSKIES 2/25/26

This Big East clash features two of the nation's most elite programs meeting in Hartford at the PeoplesBank Arena. St. John's enters this matchup on a blistering 13-game winning streak, currently holding a half-game lead over UConn in the Big East standings. The Huskies, ranked No. 6 in the nation, are looking for revenge after falling to the Red Storm 81-72 earlier this month. With massive implications for both the conference title and NCAA Tournament seeding, this is a must-watch game.

St. John's is arguably the most complete team in the Big East right now. They rank 1st in defensive efficiency and 2nd in offensive efficiency within league play. Their success is built on a massive shot volume advantage. The Red Storm have taken 73 more field goal attempts and 96 more free throws than their conference opponents this season.

In the first meeting, St. John's dominated the interior, outrebounding UConn 32-26 and winning the turnover battle 15-10. Rick Pitino's squad has covered the spread in four consecutive games against Dan Hurley's Huskies. While UConn is at home, St. John's length—led by Zuby Ejiofor (15.9 PPG, 1.9 BPG) and Dillon Mitchell (8.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG)—allows them to match UConn's physicality. Even if they don't win outright, their ability to control the glass (37.8% Offensive Rebound Rate, 23rd nationally) makes 5.5 points a very generous cushion.

While both teams possess efficient offenses, this matchup historically turns into a defensive grind. St. John's boasts the 15th-ranked Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in the country, while UConn ranks even higher at 12th. In their previous meeting, UConn shot an unsustainable 47.4% from three-point range, and St. John's took 31 free throws.

Expect regression in those areas tonight. With the game being played in Hartford, the officiating is likely to be less whistle-heavy for the visitors. Rick Pitino is a master at "mucking up" the game and disrupting the pristine execution of Dan Hurley’s offense. UConn’s Adjusted Tempo ranks 292nd in the nation (65.1), meaning they will look to utilize the full shot clock and limit possessions. A slower-paced, high-intensity defensive battle favors the Under.

Despite the Red Storm's streak, winning in Connecticut is a different beast. UConn has a 70.6% win probability according to recent projections. The Huskies are the most efficient offense in the Big East, leading the conference in both 2-point (57.6%) and 3-point (35.7%) percentage.

Silas Demary Jr. (11.4 PPG, 6.5 APG) is the engine of this offense, leading the Big East in assist rate. After coughing up 9 turnovers in the first meeting, expect a much more composed performance from him tonight. Alex Karaban (12.9 PPG) provides a unique mismatch by dragging St. John's bigs out to the perimeter, opening up lanes for Tarris Reed Jr. (13.6 PPG) inside. UConn needs this win to stay in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino confirmed that guard Ian Jackson (ankle) will be ready to play tonight. Jackson averages 10.4 PPG and provides critical floor spacing (35.9% from three).

UConn has only lost three games all season (Arizona, St. John's, Creighton). In all three losses, they posted their three worst offensive rebounding percentages of the year. Controlling the boards is the absolute key for the Huskies tonight.

The game is being played at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford rather than Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. UConn is 3-4 ATS in this venue this season. In fact, if you look at all 15 UConn home games this season, the Huskies are just 3-12 ATS overall.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: UNDER 147.5

This should be an epic Big East battle. These are the two best teams in the conference. Both rank among the top-50 in the nation in terms of Offensive Efficiency and both can score. But, it’s on the defensive end where both these teams shine. St. John’s ranks 15th in Adj. Def. Efficiency. UConn is 12th. There is a contrast of styles here too. St. John’s is 24th in the nation in possessions per game (74.7). UConn is much more deliberate - 262nd (69.1). When these two met back on Feb. 6, the game featured 69 possessions. Home teams typically control the pace of a game and tonight that means a slower-paced, defensive struggle. Four of St. John’s last six games have gone Under the total. UConn went Over in 8 straight games until they played an elite Big East team - Villanova. UConn won that game and the total - set at 141.5 - went Under.

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