The Iona Gaels take on the St. John's Red Storm in New York, New York. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. ET on TNT.
St. John's is favored by -27.5 points on the spread with the total set at 161 points.
Here’s my Iona vs. St. John's prediction and college basketball picks for December 13, 2025.
Iona vs St. John's Prediction
My Pick: Over 161 (Play to 162)
My Iona vs St. John's best bet is on the over. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Iona vs. St. John's Odds
| Iona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+27.5 -110 | 161 -110o / -110u | OFF |
| St. John's Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-27.5 -110 | 161 -110o / -110u | OFF |
- Iona vs St. John's spread: St. John's -27.5
- Iona vs St. John's over/under: 161 points
Iona vs St. John's College Basketball Betting Preview
Iona Basketball
Iona is in its third year since Rick Pitino left in the school, and it hasn't made the NCAA Tournament since.
The Tobin Anderson experience lasted just two seasons, so the Gaels opted to hire Dan Geriot.
In his first season, Geriot is off to the best start Iona's had since Pitino left. Admittedly, the Gaels' success may be attributed to a weaker schedule. They rank 321st in strength of schedule and outside of this St. John’s matchup, they won't face another team ranked inside the top 150 in KenPom.
What Iona does well is keep the tempo going, as it ranks 25th in adjusted tempo and 56th in average possession length.
This is a team that also tends to shoot a high volume of 3-point shots, ranking in the top 50 nationally in 3-point percentage.
St. John's Basketball
Pitino will get a chance to face his former team in an early spot on Saturday. Pitino made his comeback after a disgraced exit from Louisville after 16 years, and the comeback all started with three very successful years at Iona.
He made two NCAA Tournaments in his three years there before leaving to lead this high-tempo St. John’s team.
The Johnnies come into this matchup with three losses in eight games, but it’s very noticeable that those losses have all been against teams ranked in the top 30 in KenPom.
Beyond power rankings, all three losses were against teams ranked in the AP top 25
The Red Storm have continued a three-year run in which they've ranked in the top 50 in adjusted pace, and this season, they've done an excellent job of getting to the basket and creating easier chances.
The last two seasons, the Red Storm ranked 265th or worse in free-throw attempts, and this season, they rank 19th in that category.
A seven-game stretch that saw them play three top 25 teams will get a little easier, as they play three teams in their next four games that are ranked outside the top 130 in KenPom.
Iona vs. St. John's Betting Analysis
This is going to be one of the better games that's getting the least amount of betting volume in the early Saturday window.
The spread is a little volatile, with me seeing anywhere from 25.5 points to 27 points at the two sportsbooks available right now.
The consistent number we can look at is the over. It’s currently sitting at 161 (as of writing), and based on the tempo of this game, we’re going to lean towards that over.
Two faster-paced teams, who like to get to the bucket and can shoot the 3 at a decent rate, should provide plenty of shot volume for this over to hit.
While I can’t give out +25.5 or +27, we do think this game is close enough for both teams to keep pushing the pace and scoring.
I lean towards taking the number with Iona, but my confidence entirely lies with the over.
My Pick: Over 161 (Play to 162)
