Baylor is coming into this game with a 3-1 record this season and this is going to be a bit of a down year for them. They lost 3 of their starters from last season to the NBA and are only returning 1 of those starters from last year. They made some moves in the transfer portal, but this team is going through some big changes this season and they are still trying to find their rhythm with the new lineup. They have been much better in their recent games as they have won their last 3 straight games. They beat Tarleton State and Sam Houston by 30+ points in 2 of those games, scoring 104 points in each of those, and they also have a ranked win over Arkansas by 5 points in a neutral location. Their 1 loss is very concerning though as it came in their 1st game of the season on the road against Gonzaga, and that was a game they did not even put up a fight in as they lost by close to 40 points, barely scoring 60 points and giving up 101. They are going up against a St. John's team that is 4-0 this season and has been playing very well to start the season. St. John's is also returning just 1 starter from last year, but they have made some good moves in the transfer portal and Rick Pitino will be looking to make a statement in his 2nd season coaching. St. John's has had a weaker schedule to start the season as they have played all 4 games at home against weaker opponents, but they have also dominated in all 4 of those games with all 4 wins coming by 10+ points. They are also coming off of a 14 point win at home against a good New Mexico team so that is going to give them confidence coming into this tournament. This Baylor team is not the same right now as it has been in previous seasons and this is a great spot for St John's to get a statement win now that they are ranked as well. St. John's will cover the spread in this game.