St. John's Red Storm vs Kansas Jayhawks Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 22 2026
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The St. John’s Red Storm and Kansas Jayhawks face off in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship – East Region – 2nd Round at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 5:15 PM ET, with the game televised on CBS. St. John’s enters this matchup as a slight favorite, laying 3.5 points, with the total set at 144.5 according to DraftKings odds. This is one of the more intriguing second-round matchups, featuring a red-hot St. John’s squad against a battle-tested Kansas program looking to find consistency. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert tournament insights.
St. John’s Red Storm: Riding Momentum into the Second Round
St. John’s comes into this contest with an impressive 29-6 overall record and a dominant 21-2 mark in Big East play, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the country. In tournament action, the Red Storm advanced with a convincing 79-53 win over Northern Iowa. Looking at recent form, St. John’s has recently won over Northern Iowa, recently won over UConn, recently won over Seton Hall, recently won over Providence, and recently won over Seton Hall again. This five-game winning streak highlights their current form and confidence entering this matchup.
From a statistical standpoint, St. John’s averages 81.5 points per game while allowing 69.5, showcasing a strong balance between offense and defense. They shoot 45% from the field and average 38.8 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 7.8 steals and 4.9 blocks per game, indicating a team that can create turnovers and protect the rim effectively. Their rebounding and defensive pressure have been key components of their success throughout the season.
In their first-round victory, St. John’s displayed dominance on the glass and solid shooting efficiency. Zuby Ejiofor led the way with 14 points and also controlled the boards with 11 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. The Red Storm outrebounded Northern Iowa 45-29 and held them to just 39% shooting from the field. That rebounding edge and defensive intensity will be critical in this matchup, especially against a Kansas team that can struggle offensively at times. The short turnaround should not be an issue for a team playing with this level of momentum and depth.
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Kansas Jayhawks: Experience Meets Opportunity
Kansas enters this game with a 24-10 overall record and a 13-7 mark in Big 12 play, reflecting a season with some ups and downs but plenty of high-level competition. The Jayhawks advanced to the second round with a 68-60 win over California Baptist. Over their last five games, Kansas has recently won over California Baptist, recently lost to Houston, recently won over TCU, recently won over Kansas State, and recently lost to Arizona State. This mixed stretch suggests a team still searching for consistency but capable of stepping up in big moments.
Statistically, Kansas averages 75.4 points per game while allowing 69.1, relying more on defense and half-court execution than explosive scoring. They shoot 45% from the field and average 38.9 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 5.5 steals and 5.7 blocks per contest, showing a strong interior presence and the ability to contest shots effectively. However, their offensive efficiency has been inconsistent, which could be a concern against a high-scoring opponent like St. John’s.
In their opening-round win, Kansas leaned heavily on Darryn Peterson, who scored 28 points to lead all scorers, while Bryson Tiller controlled the boards with 10 rebounds. Despite the win, Kansas shot just 40% from the field and struggled from three-point range, hitting only 21% of their attempts. Their ability to grind out a win despite inefficient shooting speaks to their toughness, but they will need improved offensive execution in this matchup. The key for Kansas will be whether they can match St. John’s physicality on the glass and limit second-chance opportunities.
St. John’s Red Storm vs Kansas Jayhawks Pick
St. John’s Red Storm vs Kansas Jayhawks Spread Pick
- Pick: St. John’s -3.5
St. John’s enters this game with more momentum and has been far more consistent on both ends of the floor. Their rebounding edge and defensive pressure could create problems for a Kansas team that has struggled with shooting efficiency. While Kansas has the experience to keep this game competitive, St. John’s ability to control the glass and push the tempo gives them the edge. I expect the Red Storm to wear down Kansas over the course of the game and cover the spread.
St. John’s Red Storm vs Kansas Jayhawks Total Pick
- Pick: Under 144.5
I like the under in this matchup because Kansas tends to slow the pace and rely on half-court offense, which limits possessions. St. John’s can score, but their defensive intensity should also play a role in keeping this total down. I expect a physical game with both teams focusing on rebounding and defense, which typically leads to fewer scoring opportunities. If Kansas continues to struggle from the perimeter, that should further support the under.
Final Score Prediction: St. John’s 72, Kansas 66
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