Providence Friars Defeat St. John's Red Storm 77-71
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Madison Square Garden
Providence Friars 77, St. John's Red Storm 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Providence Friars vs St. John's Red Storm?
Providence Friars beat St. John's Red Storm 77-71 at Madison Square Garden on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Providence Friars vs St. John's Red Storm?
St. John's Red Storm were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1350 (about 93% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, the Providence Friars emerged victorious against the St. John's Red Storm, winning 77-71. This game was significant as it showcased the competitive nature of both teams in the NCAAB league, with Providence improving their record to 9-6 while St. John's fell to 9-6. The victory marked a crucial moment for Providence, who had been struggling with a two-game losing streak prior to this win.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. St. John's had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, with an average score of 82.8 points per game while allowing 70.6. They had won their last two games, including a decisive 95-83 victory against Georgetown on January 1, 2026. In contrast, Providence had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, averaging 87.1 points scored and 82.1 points allowed. The Friars had lost their last two games, including a close 67-72 defeat to Seton Hall on December 19, 2025.
At home, St. John's had a solid record of 5-1, while their away record was 2-2. Providence, on the other hand, had struggled on the road with a 1-4 away record, but they had a strong home record of 4-1. This matchup was particularly interesting as it was not just a battle for positioning in the league, but also a test of St. John's ability to defend their home court against a team that had previously beaten them twice in their last two meetings.
The injury situation did not heavily impact either team, allowing them to field their best players for this important contest. The market had priced St. John's as significant favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -14.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -1350. Providence was given a moneyline of +800, indicating they were seen as underdogs in this matchup.
The game conditions were conducive for a high-scoring affair, with a total set at 166.5. Fans were treated to an exciting display of basketball, as both teams exchanged leads throughout the game. The scoring plays were intense, with key moments in the second half defining the outcome. As the game progressed, Jamier Jones made crucial free throws, and Ian Jackson contributed significantly, tying the game at 69. However, it was Stefan Vaaks who made a pivotal three-point jumper, giving Providence a lead they would not relinquish.
As the game drew to a close, Providence maintained their composure, with Jamier Jones and Oswin Erhunmwunse executing critical plays that solidified their lead. The final score of 77-71 reflected the competitive spirit of the match, with both teams showing their strengths and weaknesses. Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience from both sides, making this fixture a memorable one in the NCAAB season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SJU -14.5 | 166.5 o -112 / u -108 | Providence Friars +800 · St. John's Red Storm -1350 |
Leaders
- PointsZuby Ejiofor33St. John's Red Storm
- AssistsJoson Sanon3St. John's Red Storm
- ReboundsZuby Ejiofor15St. John's Red Storm
- PointsStefan Vaaks16Providence Friars
- AssistsStefan Vaaks2Providence Friars
- ReboundsJamier Jones10Providence Friars
Recent form
St. John's Red Storm
Last 10: 7-3Streak W282.8 scored · 70.6 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W95-83at Georgetown HoyasJan 1
- W85-59vs Harvard CrimsonDec 23
- L66-78at Kentucky WildcatsDec 20
- W79-66vs DePaul Blue DemonsDec 17
- W91-64vs Iona GaelsDec 13
- W63-58vs Ole Miss RebelsDec 7
- L74-85at Auburn TigersNov 27
- W96-81at Baylor BearsNov 25
- L82-83vs Iowa State CyclonesNov 24
- W97-49vs Bucknell BisonNov 21
Providence Friars
Last 10: 5-5Streak L287.1 scored · 82.1 allowed per game1-4 away
- L67-72vs Seton Hall PiratesDec 19
- L110-113at Butler BulldogsDec 13
- W86-79vs Brown BearsDec 10
- W90-71vs Rhode Island RamsDec 6
- W94-64vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 3
- L78-90at Florida GatorsNov 28
- L83-104at Wisconsin BadgersNov 27
- W77-65at Penn State Nittany LionsNov 22
- W98-66vs New Hampshire WildcatsNov 19
- L88-97at Colorado BuffaloesNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's | 30-7 | - | 18-2 |
| UConn | 34-6 | 1 | 17-3 |
| Villanova | 24-9 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Seton Hall | 21-12 | 8 | 10-10 |
| Creighton | 16-18 | 9 | 9-11 |
| DePaul | 16-16 | 10 | 8-12 |
| Butler | 16-16 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Providence | 15-18 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Marquette | 12-20 | 11 | 7-13 |
| Georgetown | 16-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
| Xavier | 15-18 | 12 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Providence Friars | St. John's Red Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-64 | 20-71 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 28 |
| Three-pointers | 6-18 | 7-31 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 23 |
| Free throws | 21-28 | 24-37 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 25 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 26 |
| Assists | 9 | 9 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 20 |
| Fouls | 26 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 8 | 90 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-48Zuby Ejiofor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-51Lefteris Liotopoulos makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-51Jason Edwards makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylin Sellers assists)
- 2nd Half45-51Oswin Erhunmwunse makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-51Oswin Erhunmwunse makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Zuby Ejiofor makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-54Dillon Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Dillon Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-55Cole Hargrove makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Cole Hargrove makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-55Corey Floyd Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-55Corey Floyd Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-57Bryce Hopkins makes layup (Zuby Ejiofor assists)
- 2nd Half51-57Jaylin Sellers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-57Jaylin Sellers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-59Zuby Ejiofor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-58Zuby Ejiofor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-61Bryce Hopkins makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-62Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-62Stefan Vaaks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamier Jones assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Zuby Ejiofor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-64Zuby Ejiofor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-64Jamier Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-64Oswin Erhunmwunse makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-64Oswin Erhunmwunse makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Jamier Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-64Oswin Erhunmwunse makes 1-foot dunk (Stefan Vaaks assists)
- 2nd Half63-66Zuby Ejiofor makes 5-foot hook shot (Joson Sanon assists)
- 2nd Half63-68Oziyah Sellers makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Joson Sanon assists)
- 2nd Half66-68Stefan Vaaks makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half67-68Stefan Vaaks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-68Jamier Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-68Jamier Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-69Ian Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Ian Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Stefan Vaaks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamier Jones assists)
- 2nd Half73-70Jamier Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-71Zuby Ejiofor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-71Oswin Erhunmwunse makes 3-foot dunk (Stefan Vaaks assists)
- 2nd Half77-71Stefan Vaaks makes driving layup (Ryan Mela assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours St. John's Red Storm, below favours Providence Friars.
Venue
- Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
- Attendance19047
- OfficialsBrian O'Connell, Matt Potter, Nathan Hall
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond