Missouri vs. Drake March Madness Preview and Prediction
In the No. 11 vs. No. 6 matchup in the NCAA Tournament West Region, the Drake Bulldogs face the Missouri Tigers in first-round action.
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How to Watch Missouri vs. Drake
When: 7:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20th
Where: INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas
Watch: truTV
Odds for Missouri vs. Drake
(odds current at time of publish)
Spread: Missouri -6.5 (-110), Drake +6.5 (-110)
Total: Over 133.5 (-105), Under 133.5 (-115)
DraftKings Betting Splits | Live College Basketball Odds | Drake vs. Missouri Matchup Page
Missouri vs. Drake Preview & Prediction
Missouri, led by Dennis Gates, returns to the NCAA Tournament after a brief absence, aiming for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2009. Despite a season-opening loss to Memphis, the Tigers’ tough SEC schedule and a notable win against Kansas in December bolstered their tournament case. Missouri’s perfect 15-0 record against lower-ranked opponents further solidified their position.
The Tigers boast a top-tier offense, ranking highly in adjusted offensive efficiency and shooting percentages. Their high 3-point rate (37%) adds to their offensive threat. However, Missouri struggles defensively, particularly in half-court situations. They rank poorly in both 2-point and 3-point defense, although their ability to force turnovers has somewhat mitigated these weaknesses.
Missouri faces a challenging draw, starting with Drake, a dangerous mid-major known for their slow pace and sharp shooting. If victorious, they likely encounter Texas Tech, a potential Elite Eight contender. Drake enters as an 11-seed after dominating the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Led by experienced coach Ben McCollum, the Bulldogs excel in a methodical style with a strong defense that ranks highly in forcing turnovers.
Bennett Stirtz, Drake’s leading scorer, has proven effective against Power Five teams, notably in victories over Vanderbilt and Kansas State. The game’s outcome may hinge on Drake’s ability to defend Missouri’s high-powered offense, particularly in the paint. Drake’s poor 2-point defense, allowing nearly 63% shooting at the rim, could be exploited by Missouri’s frequent rim attacks.
While Drake’s slow tempo and defensive strengths pose a challenge, Missouri’s offensive firepower and athleticism may prove too much for the Bulldogs to overcome in this intriguing first-round matchup. The Tigers’ explosive offense and ability to force turnovers could be the deciding factors, potentially outweighing their defensive vulnerabilities. However, if Drake can control the pace and capitalize on Missouri’s defensive weaknesses, they could pull off an upset, making this a compelling contest to watch in the tournament’s opening round.
Estimated Score: Missouri 71, Drake 65
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