College Basketball: Minnesota at Missouri

Missouri hosts Minnesota as a 7-point favorite, but the matchup looks tighter on the floor than the number suggests. We rate the Golden Gophers as the more athletic roster, and that edge should show up in transition defense, second-chance chances, and late-clock switching. In Year 1, Niko Nedved reshaped the group with familiar and complementary pieces—Jaylen Crocker-Johnson from Colorado State, Langston Reynolds from Northern Colorado, and Cade Tyson from North Carolina—adding length, burst, and shot variety around the core.

Missouri, fresh off last season’s 22-win breakout under Dennis Gates, still carries real teeth. With Mark Mitchell and Anthony Robinson back, the Tigers have continuity, shot creation, and a home crowd that usually sparks fast starts. Expect Mizzou to jump in front with early tempo and downhill drives, then run into Minnesota’s athletic counterpunch as rotations tighten.

Projection: Tigers lead much of the night but struggle to create separation. Lean to Minnesota +7, with live-bet interest if Mizzou’s early run inflates the number.

Pick:
Minnesota 75
Missouri 78