Pick details
| MATCHUP | St. John's Red Storm | Duke Blue Devils |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 30-7 | 35-2 |
| Where | Duke Stadium | |
| When | Friday, March 27, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:10 PM EDT | |
| TV | CBS | |
The St. John’s Red Storm and the Duke Blue Devils will meet on Friday night in a Sweet 16 matchup at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Duke Blue Devils enter Friday’s game with a 34–2 win‑loss record, including a robust 17-1 mark in conference play and a 10-1 record on the road. The Blue Devils have compiled wins over Michigan State, Florida State, Virginia, Pittsburgh and the Clemson Tigers, while losing to North Carolina and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Earlier this season, in the Duke Blue Devils 73-61 victory over the Clemson Tigers, Duke forward Cameron Boozer tallied 24 points (6 of 9 shooting from the field: 3 of 4 shooting from three-point range), 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block illustrating his ability to lead the Blue Devils frontcourt.
The Duke Blue Devils average 81.9 points (34th in nation) on 48.9 percent shooting from the field (20th in country) and 34.6 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Blue Devils are allowing opponents 63.1 points per contest which ranks 3rd in the nation.
Freshman guard Cameron Boozer has been a solid performer for the Duke Blue Devils, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. Sophomore center Patrick Ngongbka II is averaging 10.7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per contest. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans provides the Blue Devils with further backcourt stability averaging 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
The winner will face Michigan State or UConn next.
St. John’s Red Storm Betting Preview
The St. John’s Red Storm enter Friday’s contest with a 30–6 win-loss record, including an 18-2 mark in conference play and a rather impressive 9–1 record on the road. The Red Storm have compiled wins over DePaul, Iona Seton Hall, Providence, Mississippi and the Georgetown Hoyas, while dropping games to Auburn, Iowa State and the Kentucky Wildcats.
The St. John’s Red Storm average 81.1 points (46th in nation) on 45.2 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the St. John’s Red Storm are allowing opponents 69.4 points per contest which ranks 53rd in the country.
Senior forward Brady Hopkins leads the St. John’s Red Storm averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 46.1 percent shooting from the field per game. Senior forward Zuby Ejiofor contributes 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks per contest providing the Red Storm with a quality interior presence. Sophomore guard Ian Jackson provides further backcourt stability averaging 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Why the Duke Blue Devils Will Win
• Elite defense. The Duke Blue Devils are allowing opponents 63.1 points per game which ranks 3rd in the country.
• Ability to win on the road. The Blue Devils have compiled a 10-1 record on the road.
• Team balance. Boozer, Evans and Ngongba II provide scoring, rebounding, and defense.
• Momentum. The Duke Blue Devils arrive at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a 13-game winning streak.
Why the St. John’s Red Storm Will Win
• Elite conference performance. The St. John’s Red Storm compiled an 18–2 record in Big East conference play this season.
• Frontcourt play. Senior forward Brady Hopkins leads the St. John’s Red Storm averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 46.1 percent shooting from the field per game.
• Quality offense. The St. John’s Red Storm average 81.1 points (46th in nation) on 45.2 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent shooting from three-point range per game.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Duke Blue Devils Prediction
In my view, this matchup sets up for a slower, more controlled contest than the number suggests (141.5). Both teams lean on half‑court execution, both defend at a high level, and neither plays with the pace that typically drives higher game totals. In my opinion, going with the total rather picking than a side is the route to go in this contest. For the reasons just noted, I am backing under 141.5 points in this game.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Under 141.5
