NCAA Tournament First Round Drake Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers-03-20-25

The Missouri Tigers are seeded sixth, which seems a couple of slots higher than they should be, while Drake is an eleven seed, which is way too high for a team that went 30-3. This is a dangerous matchup for Missouri. I think that Drake should have been on the eight line. This promises to be a tight hard-fought game that will be decided in the final minute.

Drake Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers

• Point Spread: Missouri -6.5
• Moneyline Drake +220
• Moneyline Missouri -275
• Over/Under 132.5

With the transfer portal and the frequent changes in head coaching positions at mid-major universities, it is common for non-power conference teams to undergo complete rebuilds every few years. This was the case for the Bulldogs, who hired a new head coach and retained only one rotational player from the previous season. McCollum, who had previously excelled at the Division II level with Northwest Missouri State, was quickly appointed as the head coach of the Bulldogs after Darian DeVries took a position at West Virginia. Following DeVries’ departure, most of the team left, forcing McCollum to build an entirely new roster.

McCollum took a straightforward approach to recruiting in the transfer portal by bringing in four players from his previous team. He added Bennett Stirtz, Daniel Abreu, Mitch Mascari, and Isaiah Jackson, all former Bearcats. Although they played at the Division II level, this decision proved to be beneficial. Abreu and Mascari have emerged as high-impact players, while Stirtz is on track to achieve All-American status following an impressive season.

Stirtz’s shooting statistics indicate that he is one of the best players in the country. He boasts impressive numbers: 49.3% shooting from the field, 79.5% from the free-throw line, and 38.6% from beyond the arc. As a college basketball player, it appears there isn’t much he cannot do. For Missouri, he will undoubtedly be the primary defensive target. Assigning guards Anthony Robinson II or Tony Perkins to defend against Stirtz makes the most sense, particularly since both can utilize the physicality needed to effectively contain a player of his caliber. However, Stirtz is skilled at drawing fouls, which is an area where Robinson has struggled this season.

Drake vs Missouri Moneyline

Moneyline value exists for a MoneyLine bet on either team and I think the best bet on either team is on the MoneyLine. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

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4.6/5

Tip: Bet Drake ML

• Stirtz best player on the court
• Rebounding will be crucial
• Neutral site

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Drake vs Missouri Over/Under Analysis

The line is 132.5 and I will bet the over as I think this is a game played in the low sixties.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet the Over 132.5

• Slow Pace
• turnovers will be key
• Neutral site

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Which ever team controls the pace will win this game. It is much easier to slow the game down than speed it up. Drake has an elite coach and an elite guard, take Drake and the points.

Bet Drake +6.5