Drake Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers Pick – 3/20/2025

The NCAA Tournament's first round brings an intriguing contest between the Drake Bulldogs and the Missouri Tigers on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:35 PM Eastern Time at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This game features a clash of styles, with Drake's disciplined defense facing off against Missouri's high-powered offense.

Drake Bulldogs vs. Missouri Tigers Game Preview

Drake enters the tournament with an impressive 30-3 record, having dominated the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) with a 17-3 mark. The Bulldogs secured the MVC tournament title, showcasing their defensive prowess by allowing just 58.4 points per game, the best in the nation. Offensively, they average 70.1 points per game. Key contributors include junior guard Bennett Stirtz, who leads the team with 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, and forward Daniel Abreu, adding 10.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Missouri, with a 22-11 record, finished seventh in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) at 10-8. The Tigers boast a potent offense, ranking tenth nationally with 84.5 points per game, but their defense allows 73.8 points per game. Leading the charge is forward Mark Mitchell, averaging 14.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Guards Caleb Grill and Tamar Bates contribute 13.7 and 13.4 points per game, respectively. Notably, Mitchell missed the SEC Tournament loss to Florida due to a minor knee injury but is expected to return for this matchup.

Betting Insights

As of the latest odds, Missouri is favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 132.5 points. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Drake's Neutral Site Performance: The Bulldogs are 6-0 in neutral site games this season, demonstrating their ability to perform away from home.
• Missouri's Recent Form: The Tigers have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games, including a 95-81 defeat to Florida in the SEC Tournament.
• Contrasting Styles: Drake's methodical, defense-first approach contrasts sharply with Missouri's fast-paced, high-scoring offense, making the game's tempo a critical factor.

Drake Bulldogs vs. Missouri Tigers Prediction

This matchup presents a classic offense-versus-defense scenario. Missouri's high-scoring offense will test Drake's top-ranked defense. The Bulldogs' ability to control the game's pace and limit turnovers will be crucial in neutralizing the Tigers' offensive threats.

Given Missouri's recent struggles and Drake's consistent performance, particularly in neutral site games, the Bulldogs have a strong chance to cover the spread. While Missouri's offensive firepower is formidable, Drake's disciplined defense and efficient offense could lead to a closer game than the odds suggest.

Prediction: Missouri 74, Drake 63

Bettors might consider taking Drake to cover the +6.5 spread, anticipating a tightly contested game that could come down to the final possessions.