DePaul vs St. John’s Picks & Predictions for Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Use Code PPWC
Big East play gets underway at Carnesecca Arena as DePaul heads to Queens to face a ranked St. John’s team that thrives on pace, pressure, and physicality at home. This matchup features two teams playing good basketball lately, but with very different paths to their current records. If you’re tracking value spots and trends, this game is worth a close look alongside the latest free college basketball picks before tipoff.
DePaul Blue Demons Preview
DePaul enters this matchup at 8–3 overall, riding a three-game winning streak and showing noticeable growth on the defensive end. The Blue Demons are allowing just 67.8 points per game, and that defensive commitment has kept them competitive even when the offense stalls. They shoot 46% from the field and average 17.2 assists per game, indicating a willingness to move the ball and avoid empty possessions.
Offensively, C.J. Gunn leads the way at 14.2 points per game, giving DePaul a reliable perimeter option who can score both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations. The Blue Demons don’t rely on one scorer, however, and their balanced approach has helped them survive close games, including a gritty road win at Wichita State in their last outing.
The concern for DePaul is how their defense translates against elite athleticism. While they defend well positionally, they can be vulnerable on the glass, averaging 33.7 rebounds per game, and that could be an issue against a St. John’s team that thrives on second-chance points and transition opportunities. DePaul’s recent success is real, but this is a step up in class.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
St. John’s Red Storm Preview
St. John’s comes in at 6–3 overall and ranked No. 22, playing with the kind of tempo and physical edge that fits Rick Pitino–style basketball. The Red Storm are averaging 88.9 points per game, shooting 48% from the floor, and rebounding at an impressive 40.0 per contest, which gives them multiple ways to overwhelm opponents.
Bryce Hopkins leads the team at 14.9 points per game, but St. John’s is dangerous because of its depth and defensive pressure. The Red Storm average 5.7 blocks and 8.7 steals per game, numbers that reflect their ability to disrupt rhythm and turn defense into instant offense. At home, that pressure often compounds as visiting teams struggle to handle the pace for a full 40 minutes.
Defensively, St. John’s allows 73.0 points per game, but that number is slightly misleading due to their fast tempo. They’re comfortable trading possessions because their athleticism and rebounding usually tilt those exchanges in their favor. Coming off back-to-back solid wins, the Red Storm appear to be rounding into form heading into conference play.
Matchup Breakdown & Key Factors
The key matchup here is DePaul’s structured offense versus St. John’s chaos. If DePaul can control tempo, limit turnovers, and keep St. John’s out of transition, they can hang around longer than expected. However, if the Red Storm force early mistakes and dominate the glass, this game could open up quickly.
Another major factor is home-court energy. Carnesecca Arena is not an easy place to play, especially for a DePaul team that has done most of its best work against mid-major competition. St. John’s physicality and depth give them a clear edge late in games.
Pick & Final Score Prediction
I’m backing St. John’s in this spot. DePaul is playing well and deserves respect, but the Red Storm’s athleticism, rebounding edge, and defensive pressure are tough to overcome on the road. DePaul should compete early, but St. John’s ability to speed the game up and wear teams down feels decisive here. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for DePaul with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on Saint John’s by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your DePaul vs Saint John’s bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
Final Score Prediction: St. John’s 86, DePaul 72
St. John’s pulls away in the second half, using transition scoring and second-chance points to secure a comfortable home win in their Big East opener.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
