I clearly remember the days when our Big East conference games at MSG was only for Georgetown and Syracuse. Now, I know that type of thinking would be a bit antiquated nowadays. But, I'd love to see the Johnnies play 5 conference games at CA. The other four conference home games would be allocated to Villanova, Georgetown, and two other teams who would be considered at the top of the conference.
I certainly can recall some raucous crowds at CA, whilst beating ranked opponents. Two, in particular, during the '97-'98 season (vs. Miami and West Virginia, respectively). Two more the following season ('98'-99) versus UMass and Pitt. There was another game during Hatten's first season (2001-2002) at St. John's also against Miami.
Those were all against ranked opponents, and I vividly recall the partisan at CA (Alumi Hall at the time) being quite loud, per watching it on TV. So, it can definitely be an advantage when the team is playing well. Even, more so, when playing well versus top-notch teams.