Northern Iowa vs St. John's Prediction, Picks & Odds | 20 Mar 2026

College Basketball Betting Preview: Northern Iowa vs St. John's

No. 12 Northern Iowa Panthers square off against No. 5 St. John's Red Storm in this NCAA Tournament First Round game at Viejas Arena in San Diego, with tip-off scheduled for 18:10 on Friday, March 20.

We think a wager on the totals provides value after finding that the line is set at a generous 131.5 points. Expect Northern Iowa and St. John's to surpass this number at -110.

The Northern Iowa Panthers (23-12, 6th in MVC) won their last matchup, beating the UIC Flames 84-69 on the road.

The St. John’s Red Storm (28-6, 1st in Big East) secured a 72-52 home victory against the UConn Huskies in their last game.

NCAAB Regular Season	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
St. John's	28-6	2773	2379	394	18-3	10-3	6W
Northern Iowa	23-12	2447	2144	303	13-5	10-7	5W

View Full Standings

Northern Iowa vs St. John's Prediction & Picks

Our Northern Iowa vs St. John's betting tips provide expert coverage of all major angles, including our main match prediction, correct score recommendation and best bet builder insights.

Game Prediction

The two teams should be able to accumulate enough points for our pick to win. We’re forecasting Over 131.5 and odds of -110 are available for this NCAA Tournament showdown.

Injuries are always factored in by the handicappers at Sportsgambler.com. Our basketball predictions are also shaped by recent form, with up-to-date college hoops stats playing a key role before any selections are locked in.

Key Northern Iowa vs St. John's stats:

• The 131.5 line has been covered in 6 of the last 10 UNI games.
• The 131.5 line has been covered in the last 2 UNI games.
• The 131.5 line has been covered in 8 of the last 10 St. John's games.
• The 131.5 line has been covered in 16 of the last 20 St. John's games.

Over 131.5 Probability

According to the best sportsbooks, there’s a 52.4% likelihood of our pick landing a return. After careful examination, our cappers calculate this probability to be somewhere between 55-60%. This is why we can recommend this college basketball wager.

There are ways to boost the odds on an Over pick and some bettors go down the Bet Builder route. It’s effectively a same game parlay where you throw in other selections.

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Our Game Prediction

Over 131.5 Points @ -110 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Mar 19, 23:03). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Northern Iowa 64 - 71 St. John's

There are lots of different betting angles including the chance to back the Storm on the correct score lines. For example, a 71-64 victory in their favor is available at massive odds.

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Northern Iowa vs St. John's Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

At betting odds of -625 with the sportsbooks, St. John's are regarded as 86% likely to win this college game. Northern Iowa are the underdogs at +450 and the Panthers regarded as least likely to win.

The spread is currently 10.5, with the total points line at 133.5. Having a wager on the Totals is one of the most popular basketball bets. If you’re wanting to back Over 133.5, the odds are -110.

Whether you’re betting pre-game or in-game, the top basketball sportsbooks serve up a wide range of team props and game lines to choose from. The options are nearly endless, and it’s great to have so much variety.

Moneyline

UNI

+450

St. John's

-625

Point Spread

UNI +10.5

-110

St. John's -10.5

-110

Total Points

Under 133.5

-110

Over 133.5

-110

As an alternative to the game lines, check out the player prop bets that are available. It’s especially great if you have a view when it comes to Turnovers, Steals, Blocks and Points, while there are lots of other options.

It’s possible to use stats to your advantage when it comes to college basketball micro betting, especially if you’re predicting outcomes such as the Next Field Goal. Check out the live player, score and team props to see if you can find an angle.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Northern Iowa Stats

St. John's Stats

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games

Moneyline

• 9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 games

Point Spread

• +9.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in the last 10 games

Point Spread

• -9.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 6 of the last 10 games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 139.80 pts in the previous 10 games
• Over 131.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 75.30 pts and allowed 64.50 pts in the last 10 games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 139.00 pts in the previous 10 games
• Over 131.5: Covered in 8 of the previous 10 games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 74.40 pts and allowed 64.60 pts in the last 10 games

NCAAB Regular Season Table Select Season 2025/20262024/20252023/20242022/20232021/20222020/20212019/2020

Big East	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
UConn	29-5	2635	2214	421	18-2	11-3	1L
St. John's	28-6	2773	2379	394	18-3	10-3	6W
Villanova	24-8	2469	2265	204	15-4	9-4	1L
Seton Hall	21-12	2321	2156	165	13-5	8-7	1L
DePaul	16-16	2248	2226	22	12-9	4-7	3L
Butler	16-16	2540	2481	59	13-8	3-8	1L
Georgetown	16-18	2503	2479	24	10-8	6-10	1L
Creighton	15-17	2404	2401	3	11-6	4-11	1L
Providence	15-18	2815	2772	43	10-7	5-11	1L
Xavier	15-18	2586	2661	-75	13-7	2-11	1L
Marquette	12-20	2405	2425	-20	10-9	2-11	1L

Missouri Valley	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Belmont	26-6	2684	2347	337	15-3	11-3	2L
Northern Iowa	23-12	2447	2144	303	13-5	10-7	5W
Bradley	21-12	2560	2422	138	17-4	4-8	1L
Illinois State	20-12	2404	2190	214	15-4	5-8	1L
Murray State	20-12	2667	2558	109	14-4	6-8	2L
UIC	19-15	2567	2379	188	11-7	8-8	1L
Valparaiso	17-15	2278	2300	-22	13-4	4-11	1L
Southern Illinois	16-16	2336	2226	110	8-8	8-8	1L
Drake	14-20	2552	2544	8	7-12	7-8	1L
Indiana State	11-21	2354	2383	-29	8-7	3-14	1L
Evansville	7-25	2143	2447	-304	5-12	2-13	2L

• Overall = Overall Wins-Losses
• PF = Total Points For
• PA = Total Points Against
• N. Pts = Point Differential
• Home = Home Record
• Away = Away Record
• Strk = Current Streak

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