ENSign in
NCAAB · Final

Kentucky Wildcats Defeat St. John's Red Storm 78-66

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 12:30 PM ET · State Farm Arena

Kentucky Wildcats 78, St. John's Red Storm 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won St. John's Red Storm vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Kentucky Wildcats beat St. John's Red Storm 78-66 at State Farm Arena on December 20, 2025.

Who was favored in St. John's Red Storm vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Kentucky Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.

In a compelling matchup at State Farm Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats triumphed over the St. John's Red Storm with a final score of 78-66. This victory showcases Kentucky's strong home performance, improving their record to 9-4 for the season, while St. John's falls to 7-5. The Wildcats have been on a positive trajectory, winning their last three games, which included victories against notable opponents like the Indiana Hoosiers and North Carolina Central Eagles. Their recent form has seen them average 85.0 points per game while allowing 67.9 points, demonstrating a solid offensive and defensive balance.

St. John's, on the other hand, has also shown resilience, winning their last three games prior to this matchup. They averaged 87.9 points in their last ten games, but they struggled defensively, allowing 72.3 points per game. This inconsistency was evident in their performance against Kentucky, where they were unable to keep pace with the Wildcats' scoring. The Red Storm's last five games had seen them average 80.6 points while allowing 70.8 points, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end.

When comparing home and away performances, Kentucky has been particularly strong at home with a record of 7-3, while St. John's has a mixed away record of 1-2. This home advantage was palpable as the Wildcats controlled the game, especially in the second half.

In terms of previous meetings, this game marked another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two programs. While specific past results were not detailed in the block, the intensity of their encounters is well-known among fans and players alike.

Injury reports indicated that both teams were relatively healthy heading into the game, which allowed them to field their strongest lineups. Kentucky was able to leverage this advantage effectively, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away from St. John's.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, listed Kentucky as 1.5 point favorites with a total set at 154.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but Kentucky's strong home form and recent winning streak likely influenced the betting lines.

Conditions in the arena were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the Wildcats. This environment undoubtedly contributed to Kentucky's performance, as they capitalized on their home court advantage.

Viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination, particularly from Kentucky's Bryce Hopkins, who made significant contributions, including a crucial three-pointer that helped seal the victory. The Wildcats’ ability to execute in critical moments was a key factor in their success.

Overall, this game highlighted Kentucky's potential as they continue to build momentum in the season, while St. John's will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings moving forward.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsUK -1.5 154.5 o -105 / u -115 St. John's Red Storm -105 · Kentucky Wildcats -115

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • PointsOtega Oweh20Kentucky Wildcats
  • AssistsJaland Lowe3Kentucky Wildcats
  • ReboundsMalachi Moreno9Kentucky Wildcats
  • PointsBryce Hopkins13St. John's Red Storm
  • AssistsOziyah Sellers3St. John's Red Storm
  • ReboundsIan Jackson6St. John's Red Storm

Recent form

Kentucky Wildcats

Last 10: 6-4Streak W285 scored · 67.9 allowed per game6-3 at home

  • W72-60vs Indiana HoosiersDec 14
  • W103-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 10
  • L59-94vs Gonzaga BulldogsDec 6
  • L64-67vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 3
  • W104-54vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 27
  • W88-46vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsNov 22
  • L66-83vs Michigan State SpartansNov 18
  • W99-53vs Eastern Illinois PanthersNov 15
  • L88-96at Louisville CardinalsNov 12
  • W107-59vs Valparaiso BeaconsNov 8

St. John's Red Storm

Last 10: 7-3Streak W387.9 scored · 72.3 allowed per game1-1 away

  • 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
  • W93-60vs William & Mary TribeNov 15
  • L96-103vs Alabama Crimson TideNov 8
  • W108-74vs Quinnipiac BobcatsNov 3

Standings

TeamOverallGames behindIn conference
St. John's30-7-18-2
UConn34-6117-3
Villanova24-9315-5
Seton Hall21-12810-10
Creighton16-1899-11
DePaul16-16108-12
Butler16-16117-13
Providence15-18117-13
Marquette12-20117-13
Georgetown16-18126-14
Xavier15-18126-14
Florida27-8-16-2
Arkansas28-9313-5
Alabama25-10313-5
Vanderbilt27-9511-7
Tennessee25-12511-7
Texas A&M22-12511-7
Georgia22-11610-8
Kentucky22-14610-8
Missouri20-13610-8
Texas21-1579-9
Auburn22-1697-11
Oklahoma21-1697-11
Mississippi State13-19115-13
Ole Miss15-20124-14
South Carolina13-19124-14
LSU15-17133-15

Box score

StatSt. John's Red StormKentucky Wildcats
Field goals17-5128-61
Field goal %3346
Three-pointers5-194-16
Three-point %2625
Free throws27-3218-22
Free throw %8482
Rebounds2839
Offensive rebounds1116
Defensive rebounds1723
Assists1413
Steals106
Blocks57
Turnovers1216
Team turnovers11
Technical fouls22
Technical fouls, total22
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2315
Fast-break points213
Points in the paint2030
Fouls2425
Largest lead1015
Lead changes33
Time in front5339

How the scoring went

  1. 2nd Half43-40Jayden Quaintance makes layup
  2. 2nd Half43-42Jaland Lowe makes 11-foot floating jump shot
  3. 2nd Half43-44Jayden Quaintance makes 0-foot tip in layup
  4. 2nd Half43-47Kam Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaland Lowe assists)
  5. 2nd Half43-49Jaland Lowe makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
  6. 2nd Half43-52Kam Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaland Lowe assists)
  7. 2nd Half44-52Joson Sanon makes free throw 1 of 2
  8. 2nd Half45-52Joson Sanon makes free throw 2 of 2
  9. 2nd Half45-54Jaland Lowe makes driving layup
  10. 2nd Half46-54Joson Sanon makes free throw 1 of 2
  11. 2nd Half47-54Joson Sanon makes free throw 2 of 2
  12. 2nd Half48-54Joson Sanon makes free throw 1 of 2
  13. 2nd Half49-54Joson Sanon makes free throw 2 of 2
  14. 2nd Half49-55Kam Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  15. 2nd Half49-56Kam Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  16. 2nd Half49-57Kam Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  17. 2nd Half49-58Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
  18. 2nd Half49-59Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
  19. 2nd Half51-59Oziyah Sellers makes layup (Bryce Hopkins assists)
  20. 2nd Half51-60Jaland Lowe makes free throw 1 of 2
  21. 2nd Half51-61Jaland Lowe makes free throw 2 of 2
  22. 2nd Half51-63Jayden Quaintance makes 0-foot tip in dunk
  23. 2nd Half53-63Oziyah Sellers makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
  24. 2nd Half53-65Jayden Quaintance makes 0-foot tip in dunk
  25. 2nd Half53-66Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 2nd Half53-67Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
  27. 2nd Half54-67Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  28. 2nd Half55-67Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 2 of 2
  29. 2nd Half55-68Kam Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 2nd Half55-69Kam Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  31. 2nd Half57-69Zuby Ejiofor makes layup (Dillon Mitchell assists)
  32. 2nd Half57-72Jaland Lowe makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
  33. 2nd Half59-72Bryce Hopkins makes 2-foot dunk (Lefteris Liotopoulos assists)
  34. 2nd Half60-72Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. 2nd Half60-74Jaland Lowe makes driving layup
  36. 2nd Half63-74Ian Jackson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Oziyah Sellers assists)
  37. 2nd Half63-75Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 1 of 2
  38. 2nd Half63-76Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 2 of 2
  39. 2nd Half66-76Bryce Hopkins makes 26-foot three pointer (Dillon Mitchell assists)
  40. 2nd Half66-78Mouhamed Dioubate makes 3-foot dunk (Otega Oweh assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours St. John's Red Storm.

Venue

  • State Farm ArenaAtlanta, GA
  • Attendance1
  • OfficialsBrian Dorsey, Evon Burroughs, Courtney Green

Elsewhere

Picks for NCAAB

NCAAB rules and settlement

Most days: one sealed pick, free, before kick-off. Your first day of the main pick is free any day: code FIRSTDAY, no card.

A short email on days we have a pick. One click to stop, any time. 21+.

Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.