The St. John’s Red Storm tip off their 2025–26 campaign on Monday night when they host the Quinnipiac Bobcats at Carnesecca Arena. The game is set for 6:30 p.m. ET and will air on FS1. St. John’s enters the season ranked No. 5 nationally and the defending Big East regular‑season and tournament champions. Coach Rick Pitino’s team features star forward Zuby Ejiofor and an improved perimeter attack after last year’s run to the Elite Eight. The Red Storm want to clean up their rebounding and three‑point shooting, but the overall talent level gives them national title aspirations.

Quinnipiac is no pushover. Coach Tom Moore returns four starters from a 22‑win team led by dynamic forward Amarri Monroe. The Bobcats play fast and love to spread the floor with shooters. They will try to push tempo and challenge St. John’s depth.

Matchup & odds

• Tipoff: Monday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Carnesecca Arena (Queens, N.Y.)
• TV: FS1
• Odds: St. John’s –27.5; total 157.5 (via ESPN scoreboard)

St. John’s should have a massive athletic advantage. The Red Storm are more physical in the paint and have superior perimeter defenders. If Pitino’s squad forces turnovers and hits threes, they can open up a big lead. Quinnipiac’s best hope is to turn this into a track meet and get hot from deep.

Pick & prediction

St. John’s is simply too talented to overlook here. Quinnipiac is a quality MAAC program, but facing a top‑five national title contender on the road is a brutal ask. Look for the Red Storm to impose their will early and cruise. I’m laying the points with St. John’s –27.5 and would lean to the over, as both teams want to play fast. Final score prediction: St. John’s 88, Quinnipiac 67.