Iona vs St. John’s Prediction 11/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Iona vs. St. John’s Prediction

St. John’s is obviously the more talented team and capable of a blowout, but this is a lot of points. One, it’s an early start, which usually leads to sluggish, sloppy play. I’d expect more of that with this just being the second game of the season for the Red Storm. Also, Iona has been fantastic defensively through two games. Vermont and NJIT aren’t on the same level as St. John’s, obviously, but the Gaels did beat the Catamounts as an underdog.

Iona is playing feisty ball out of the gate and is off to a fine start through two games. There’s a solid senior class on this roster who will have their guys competing. St. John’s wins, but this line isn’t showing much respect toward Iona, and I’m a bit confused. I want the 29.5 points with Iona on Sunday afternoon.

Iona Gaels Betting Preview

The Iona Gaels beat Vermont and NJIT, and they play Fordham and Hofstra next. Iona has won 6 of its last 8. Iona is 0-0 SU on the road, 2-0 SU at home, and 2-0 ATS on the season.

The Iona Gaels are averaging 64 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 52 points per game on 31.9 percent shooting. Kevon Vanderhorst is averaging 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Kosy Akametu is averaging 13 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Martin Kheil is averaging 7 points and 3 rebounds per game. Sadiku Ibine Ayo is averaging 5 points and 3 rebounds per game. The Iona Gaels are shooting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 50 percent from the free-throw line. The Iona Gaels are allowing 28 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.5 rebounds per game.

St. John’s Red Storm Betting Preview

The St. John’s Red Storm beat Monmouth, and they play Colgate and Syracuse next. St. John’s has won 20 of its last 22 games. St. John’s is 0-0 SU on the road, 1-0 SU at home, and 0-1 ATS on the season.

The St. John’s Red Storm are averaging 78 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting and allowing 63 points per game on 42.9 percent shooting. Keyshawn Hall is averaging 26 points and 9 rebounds per game. Ian Jackson is averaging 15 points and 2 rebounds per game. Tounde Yessoufou is averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds per game. Quinn Ellis is averaging 8 points and 7 assists per game. The St. John’s Red Storm are shooting 30 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free-throw line. The St. John’s Red Storm are allowing 40 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35 rebounds per game.

Iona vs St. John’s Injury Report

Iona doesn’t have any players listed on its injury report.

Donnie Freeman is out for St. John’s with an Achilles injury. Tounde Yessoufou was previously dealing with a calf issue, but he still played in the season opener.

Why the St. John’s Red Storm will win

• St. John’s has won each of its last 13 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
• Iona has lost each of its last four day games against AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Iona Gaels will win

• Iona has won four of its last five games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Iona’s last four day games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 155+ points.
• Twelve of St. John’s’ last 14 games have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.

St. John’s Red Storm Player Facts

• Tounde Yessoufou leads all St. John’s players for blocks per 36 minutes (1.6) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• St. John’s ranks T12th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (7.0).
• St. John’s ranks T38th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (80.0%).
• Iona ranks T357th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (11.0).
• Iona ranks 356th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (63.0).

Randy Chambers's Pick: Iona +29.5