Missouri (22-11) vs Drake (30-3)
Game Info: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 7:35 pm (INTRUST Bank Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Missouri -6.5 — Over/Under: 132.5
In this article, we will formulate a Drake vs Missouri prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 20 at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, KS. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of this game will meet Texas Tech or UNC Wilmington in the 2nd Round.
Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Drake Bulldogs (30-3, 17-14 ATS) won 15 of the final 16 regular-season games and recorded 11 consecutive victories before Bradley stopped that amazing run. Drake got its revenge for that loss later on in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs, who finished the regular season with the second-best record in the country behind Duke, entered the MVC tourney as the No. 1 seed and didn’t have troubles against Southern Illinois, Belmont, and Bradley, in the finals, to clinch the title.
Drake averages 70.1 PPG (299th) and allows 58.4 PPG (1st). The Bulldogs are 408th in rebounds (31.0) and 231st in assists (13.3). Bennett Stirtz leads the team with 19.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, a team-high 5.7 RPG, and a team-high 2.2 SPG. Daniel Abreu follows him with 10.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 1.0 SPG, while Tavion Banks chips in 9.9 PPG and 4.9 RPG.
Missouri Tigers Betting Preview
The Missouri Tigers (22-11, 18-15 ATS) didn’t play well late in the regular season as they suffered four defeats in five games and concluded it with three consecutive losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Missouri came to the SEC tournament as the No. 7 seed and beat Mississippi State without problems, but Florida, who later won the title, proved to be too strong for Missouri in the quarterfinals.
Missouri is averaging 84.5 PPG (10th) and is allowing 73.8 PPG (272nd). The Tigers are getting 34.3 RPG (272nd) and dish out 13.8 APG (185th). Mark Mitchell is the team’s top performer with 14.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 1.0 SPG. Caleb Grill has 13.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 1.6 SPG, while Tamar Bates contributes 13.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 1.3 SPG.
Why Drake will cover
- Drake has won 20 of its last 21 night games.
- Missouri has lost six of its last seven games played at neutral venues.
- Missouri has lost the first half in six of its last seven games played at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Missouri’s last 13 night games against non-conference opponents has produced a total of 135+ points.
- Each of Drake’s last six night games against AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 127 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Missouri ranks T6th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (9.6).
- Missouri ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (122.8).
- Drake ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (46.6).
- Drake ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (59.2).
Drake vs Missouri Prediction
These teams have never met before. We have two completely different schools and styles of basketball. Missouri plays a rather fast basketball and has a top 10 offense in the country, while Drake has the slowest offense in college basketball and the best defense. While Missouri is coming from a way stronger conference and faced more serious teams throughout the season, I wouldn’t underestimate Drake. I am not saying Drake will make un upset here, but I wouldn’t be shocked. I do back the Bulldogs to cover, though. It’s going to be a tight affair, perhaps tighter than many expect.