The 6th-seeded Missouri Tigers (22-11) face the Drake Bulldogs (30-3) in the NCAA Tournament Round 1, with Missouri favored by 6.5 points. The game tips off Thursday at 7:35pm ET from INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, KS.

Public Betting Trends:

• Spread: 70% of bets and 61% of money on Drake +6.5
• Moneyline: 22% of bets but 64% of handle on Drake (+210)
• Total: 92% of action on Over 132.5

Team Analysis:

• Missouri enters struggling, losing 5 of their last 7 games
• Drake brings nation's top scoring defense (58.4 PPG)
• Tigers rank 9th in scoring offense (84.5 PPG)
• Bulldogs on 7-game win streak, just 1 loss in last 19 games
• Missouri's defense allowing 91+ points in 4 of last 5 losses

Key Factors:

• Missouri star Mark Mitchell (knee) expected to play
• Drake hasn't faced a ranked team (160th in SOS)
• 11-day layoff could impact Drake's rhythm
• Missouri ranks 15th in KenPom, top-5 offensive rating
• Drake averaging 70.8 PPG, hit 71+ once during win streak

Player Props (bet365):

• Bennett Stirtz (Drake): Over/Under 17.5 points
• Mark Mitchell (Missouri): Over/Under 13.5 points

Prediction: Drake +6.5 (-112) While Missouri should advance, expect Drake's elite defense to keep this close and cover the spread. Their methodical pace and defensive prowess make them a dangerous first-round opponent despite the mid-major status.

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