The CBS Sports Classic doesn’t just give us an exciting matchup early Saturday afternoon but a major reunion. Rick Pitino and his ranked St. John’s team faces off against Kentucky, the school Pitino led to a national title nearly three decades ago. Which team gets the job done in Atlanta?
It’s been far from a perfect start for St. John’s (7-3), but this team has at least been playing better ball in recent weeks. Tough losses to Alabama, Auburn, and Iowa State indicate missed opportunities in nonconference play, though Pitino’s team at least took care of Baylor and Ole Miss and just got off to a 1-0 start in Big East play earlier in the week.
The situation is equally uncomfortable for Kentucky (7-4), though the Wildcats are riding a high after a recent double-digit win over Indiana last weekend. After wasting nearly all of their nonconference opportunities, Kentucky has a big chance to change the story on this team. Mark Pope faces his former coach and hopes that his team can correct some serious shooting issues that have plagued them this season.
St. John’s vs. Kentucky: When and Where
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 12:30 pm ET
Location: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia
St. John’s vs. Kentucky: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: CBS
Streaming: FuboTV
St. John’s vs. Kentucky: Betting Odds
Spread: St. John's Storm -2.5, Kentucky Wildcats +2.5
Moneyline: St. John's Storm -155, Kentucky Wildcats +152
Total: 156.5
St. John’s vs. Kentucky: Series History
All time series: Kentucky leads 11-5
Last meeting: Kentucky 81, St. John’s 59 (December 1, 2011)
Projected Starting Lineups
St. John’s Red Storm
Bryce Hopkins (14.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
Zuby Ejiofor (13.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg)
Ian Jackson (11.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Oziyah Sellers (11.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
Joson Sanon (10.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg)
Kentucky Wildcats
Otega Oweh (14.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Denzel Aberdeen (12.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.2 apg)
Collin Chandler (10.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Malachi Moreno (9.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg)
Trent Noah (5.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
Neither team is lacking in talent and this matchup actually looks very interesting. The chess moves between these two coaches who respect each other so much will be a thing to watch, especially as Kentucky tries to unlock this offense that has been in short circuit at times. The Red Storm have struggled themselves defensively and that matchup when the Wildcats have the ball will likely decide this game. St. John’s has the talent to score in bunches and be an aggressor and it’s all about getting enough stops against this physical lineup.
Does Kentucky have another big win in them and can their offense show up for 40 minutes against another very strong opponent? On the other side, does this Red Storm team have what it takes to contain the Wildcats’ versatile offense while themselves continuing their recent hot run?