Two very different styles are set to clash when Missouri meets Drake in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers rallied from an 0-18 SEC record one season ago to a comfortable tournament bid by surging offensively with the help of veteran Caleb Grill and Duke transfer Mark Mitchell, who fit right in with coach Dennis Gates’ squad.
One of the most efficient offenses in the nation, Missouri will do battle with one of the country’s toughest defenses. Drake wins games by slowing them down and throwing teams out of rhythm. It worked in the Missouri Valley Conference. Will it work against the SEC?
A dream 30-win season for coach Ben McCollum, who brought four starters with him from the Division II level, can add its most special chapter yet with a win in Wichita.
Here’s what you need to know to choose between Missouri and Drake in your March Madness bracket.
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Missouri vs. Drake odds
Missouri opens as a moderate favorite over Drake, according to DraftKings odds. The Tigers are 1-0 in first-round games under coach Dennis Gates, as they knocked off Utah State in a 2023 appearance.
Here are the odds, TV info and location for the 7-10 matchup:
- Odds: Missouri -6.5
- Date: Friday, March 21
- Time: 7:35 p.m. ET
- TV: TruTV
- Arena: Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
