March Madness 2025: Arkansas vs St John's Odds and Spread - Big East Champs Favored by 5.5
The #2 St John's Red Storm (31-4, 21-11-2 ATS) will face the #10 Arkansas Razorbacks (21-13, 15-18-1 ATS) in the NCAA Tournament's second round at Amica Mutual Pavillion in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, March 21, 2025.
Basketball player shoots jumper
Opening Odds:
- Spread: St John's -5.5
- Moneyline: St John's -245, Arkansas +200
- Total: 140.5
Arkansas's Path:
- Defeated Kansas 79-72 in first round
- Led by Jonas Aidoo's season-best 22 points
- DJ Wagner contributed 14 points and 6 assists
- Strong defensive showing with +6 turnover margin
St John's Season Overview:
- Won 10 straight games
- Captured both Big East regular season and tournament titles
- Ranked #1 in Division I Defensive Efficiency
- Allows 65.9 PPG (31st in DI)
- Playing at 49th-fastest pace nationally
March Madness Selection Show
Key Players for St John's:
- RJ Luis Jr: 18.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG
- Zuby Ejiofor: 14.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG
- Kadary Richmond: 12.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.4 APG
Recent History:
- Arkansas made Sweet 16 three straight years (2021-2023)
- St John's seeking first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999
- St John's current odds to win March Madness: +2800
- Teams' only common opponent: Georgia (Arkansas won, St John's lost)
St John's dominated their first-round matchup against Omaha 83-53, despite an early 7-0 deficit. The Red Storm's superior defensive efficiency and consistent offensive production make them favorites to advance to the Sweet 16.