Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
OH
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Tips / NCAA Tournament First Round Drake Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers-03-20-25

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

Basketball Betting Tips · - ·

Publish Date: 03/18/2025
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa

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

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet Drake ML
  • Stirtz best player on the court
  • Rebounding will be crucial
  • Neutral site
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

The best NCAA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NCAA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

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
DraftKings
4.5/5
Tip: Bet the Over 132.5
  • Slow Pace
  • turnovers will be key
  • Neutral site
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

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

Read Also
2026 Sweet 16 Predictions: Find Latest Odds & Best Bets
There are not many warm-and-fuzzy Cinderella stories left in this year’s NCAA ...
March Madness 2026 MVP Betting: Our Picks for the March Madness MOP
The recent history of March Madness has shown that winning the tournament ...
BetMGM Promo
College Basketball Toledo vs Miami: Preview, Prediction and Top prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Millett ...
College Basketball BYU vs Cincinnati: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: Fifth ...
NBA Charlotte vs Dallas: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 ...
College Basketball Iowa State vs Arizona: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 | Time: 9:00 PM ET Location: McKale ...
NBA Boston vs Milwaukee: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM ...
NBA Spurs vs Knicks: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM ...
College Basketball Ohio State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 1:30 PM ET Location: Schottenstein Center, ...
College Basketball Vanderbilt vs Kentucky: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
This SEC clash carries postseason implications wrapped in blue-blood intensity. No. 25 ...
College Basketball Virginia vs Duke: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM ET Location: Cameron Indoor ...
College Basketball Miami RedHawks vs Western Michigan: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM EST Location: University Arena, ...
NBA Lakers vs Suns: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 9:00 PM MT / 9:00 PM ...
College Basketball Michigan State vs Purdue: Preview, Prediction and Top Prop Bets
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 8:00 PM EST Location: Mackey Arena, ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Latest Sport News
Top 15 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1960s
The 1960s marked one of the most competitive ...
Top 20 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1980s
The 1980s were one of the most talent-rich ...
North Dakota State Must Prove Its Dynasty Works Every Week
College football likes to say you have to ...
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: Heavyweight Collison 
Filip Hrgovic represents a step on the heavyweight ...
Cal Poly Opens Tim Skipper’s Era on John Madden Night
Before Tim Skipper reaches halftime of his first ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJames ErnestMark LewisAuthor IconJohn Raspanti
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Marvin Uzor
Marvin Uzor
Author
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Dr. Jay Gee
Dr. Jay Gee
Author
LaMarr Fields
LaMarr Fields
Author

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
CloudflareSSL
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now