The Bucknell Bison take on the St. John's Red Storm in Queens, NY. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on TNT.
St. John's is favored by -30.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -20000. The total is set at 155.5 points.
Here’s my Bucknell vs. St. John's predictions and college basketball picks for November 20, 2025.
Bucknell vs St. John's Prediction
My Pick: St. John's -30.5 (Play to -33)
My Bucknell vs St. John's best bet is on the Red Storm to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Bucknell vs. St. John's Odds, Spread
| Bucknell Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+30.5 -110 | 158.5 -115 / -105 | +3500 |
| St. John's Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-30.5 -110 | 158.5 -115 / -105 | -20000 |
Bucknell vs St. John's College Basketball Betting Preview
Bucknell Basketball
After losing their three best players from the 2024-25 Patriot League regular-season champions, the Bucknell Bison were generally thought to be in rebuilding mode.
However, they rolled out of the gates handling fellow mid-majors Delaware and Mount St. Mary’s. On Monday, though, Bucknell couldn't handle a step up in class against ACC foe Pittsburgh, falling 84-50 in a rout.
Part of the strong start was due to the surprise emergence of Amon Dorries, the Bison’s German big man. He's struggled more in recent outings, but the 6-foot-11 bruiser gives the Bison an imposing finisher around the rim who's a magnet for contact.
His perimeter game has real upside as well, though that’s generally more theoretical at this point.
Similarly, the Bison backcourt has gotten some strong early returns. Jayden Williams has comfortably slid into the lead guard role, setting the table and knocking down shots, while Brandon McCreesh has remained in a lethal sniper role.
Achile Spadone hasn't gotten it going offensively, but he's been the Bison’s best perimeter defender.
Even against a weaker first four opponents, the Bison have struggled badly to finish at the bucket. Per CBB Analytics, they're shooting just 50.0% at the rim, ranking in the seventh percentile nationally. No player is exempt, but Dorries, Williams and backup center Grgur Brcic have been the biggest culprits.
Bucknell could have serious issues finishing inside against the athleticism of St. John’s.
One small note: Pat Curtin, an impactful freshman scoring wing, didn't play for the Bison against Pittsburgh. He was a high-usage bench spark plug in the four games prior. If he has to sit out again, that would remove one of the Bison’s better bucket-getters.
St. John's Basketball
Rick Pitino’s squad is still figuring it out. There’s no better indicator of that than his lineup usage: three different starting groups in three games and three different players leading the Red Storm in minutes.
Center Zuby Ejiofor has been the one constant, with every other player seeing fluctuations in their roles this early in the season.
Last time out, Pitino inserted Dylan Darling into the starting lineup at point guard, and the skilled Idaho State transfer delivered with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists (one turnover) and four steals.
He brings more ball-handling and true playmaking to the court than the other alternatives at that spot, but it remains to be seen whether Pitino continues to tinker (despite some high praise for Darling in the interim).
Regardless of who plays, though, the Johnnies have obliterated mid-major foes this year, beating Quinnipiac by 34 and William & Mary by 33.
The defense shined in both games, a stark contrast to the spanking Alabama gave St. John’s at Madison Square Garden (103 points, 1.23 points per possession). Dillon Mitchell is a demon on that end of the court, though Pitino is still sorting out his lineup fit with prolific scoring forward Bryce Hopkins.
Offensively, the Red Storm overflow with talent. Ejiofor is unstoppable inside and on the offensive glass, while shot-making wings Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon and Oziyah Sellers have all had strong performances thus far.
However, that group – plus Hopkins – doesn't grade out well defensively, so Pitino must strike the right balance in his lineups, something for which he's clearly still getting a feel for.
Bucknell vs. St. John's Betting Analysis
The Red Storm have been off to the races this season, with all three games hitting 80+ possessions. It’s extremely difficult to prevent them from pushing the pace; they have a deep group of athletes and can force turnovers.
Bucknell’s ball security has been shaky (201st in turnover rate), and it coughed it up 16 times against Pitt (the Panthers are nowhere near St. John’s in terms of pressure).
That sets up well for either backing the favorite or the over. Both have their merits, as more possessions – and more transition opportunities for the Red Storm – aid both causes. The athleticism gap is enormous, and the Bison didn't measure up well at all to higher-level competition earlier this week.
Ultimately, I’m not confident in Bucknell’s offense scoring against a Pitino defense, particularly one flush with this caliber of athlete. That rules out the over.
Instead, I’ll lay it with the Johnnies, as another 30+ point wipeout wouldn't shock me whatsoever. The Johnnies have the depth – and the rotational uncertainty, meaning their reserves are going to be trying to earn minutes in garbage time – to smash the Bison.
A small caution: the Red Storm could have some look-ahead risk: Iowa State and Baylor await in Las Vegas next Monday and Tuesday. Thus, I wouldn't go crazy with this number, even though I do expect St. John’s to take money.
The market knows this team is built to bury bad competition.
My Pick: St. John's -30.5 (Play to -33)
