The St. John’s Red Storm will face off against the Kansas Jayhawks in a highly anticipated second-round matchup of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. This game will take place in the East Region on Sunday at Viejas Arena in San Diego.
Match Overview
St. John’s, the fifth seed, comes into this game with a record of 29-6. The team achieved an impressive 18-2 performance in the Big East Conference, culminating in a conference tournament title. In the first round, they secured a decisive 79-53 victory over Northern Iowa.
In contrast, the fourth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks hold a record of 24-10. They finished tied for third in the Big 12 with a 12-6 conference mark. In their first-round game, Kansas narrowly defeated California Baptist, ending with a score of 68-60.
Game Details
- Date: Sunday
- Venue: Viejas Arena, San Diego
- Tip-off: 5:15 p.m. ET
Betting Odds
The latest betting odds indicate that St. John’s is favored by 3.5 points against Kansas. The total points over/under is set at 144.5. Notably, each team’s previous performance reveals that the Under has hit in 65% of their matchups this season, with a combined record of 45-24.
Historical Context
Historically, Kansas leads their all-time series against St. John’s, 9-5. Their last encounter took place in 2021, where Kansas emerged victorious with a score of 95-75.
Expert Predictions
Before placing any bets on the St. John’s vs. Kansas matchup, it is wise to consult expert insights. The SportsLine Projection Model, known for its accuracy, has simulated this game 10,000 times. This model has proven successful with an 11-1 streak on top over/under picks and a 28-22 record on top-rated side picks for college basketball since last year.
Interestingly, the model favors the Under for the total points scored and suggests that one side of the spread is projected to hit nearly 60% of the time. This data poses valuable insights for fans and bettors alike as the matchup approaches.