It was only 11 days ago that St. John’s tripped up Marquette when the Warriors featured G Markus Howard, the Big East’s No. 2 scorer at 21.3. Now Howard (leg) is doubtful, and the Johnnies, once given up for dead, can win their fifth straight outright. Victims include mighty Duke and Villanova. They are brimming with confidence, especially the players who have been in the program for awhile. St. John’s has covered in six of the past seven meetings.

The Red Storm have won four in a row after the brutal Big East start, but the oddsmakers are starting to catch up. After three easy ATS wins -- including a victory over Marquette -- they didn't cover in the last one. Marquette is in must-win mode for NCAA Tournament hopes, and at home. The projections call for a Golden Eagles double-digit win.