Sports Betting Picks

Missouri Tigers vs Texas Longhorns – NCAA Basketball Preview – Jan 21, 2025

Missouri (15-3, 4th in SEC) travels to face Texas (12-6, 12th in SEC) at the Moody Center in Austin on January 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET. The Tigers are riding a four-game winning streak and enter the game ranked No. 22 in the nation. Texas, meanwhile, is looking to recover from a tough start to SEC play, which has included matchups against several ranked opponents.

The last meeting between these teams was back in 2012, with Missouri winning 81-67. This time, Missouri is aiming to solidify its place near the top of the SEC standings, while Texas hopes to bounce back after a blowout loss at Florida.

Missouri Preview – Building Momentum

Missouri has been one of the most consistent teams in the SEC this season, with a 15-3 record bolstered by a strong nonconference showing that included wins over Kansas and Cal. The Tigers’ offense has been a highlight, averaging 84.8 points per game, which ranks 17th nationally. Key players like Caleb Grill and Mark Mitchell have stepped up recently, each scoring 17 points in their last game against Arkansas.

The Tigers are shooting 49.2% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc, placing them among the top teams in offensive efficiency. Coach Dennis Gates believes the team still has room to grow, stating, “We’re not even at our peak.” Defensively, the Tigers are allowing 66.9 points per game, supported by strong efforts on the boards and forcing turnovers.

Missouri has struggled slightly on the road, with a 1-2 record away from home, but their recent form and depth could prove decisive against Texas.

Texas Preview – Searching for Consistency

The Longhorns are 12-6 overall but have stumbled to a 1-4 start in SEC play. Texas has faced a tough schedule, including three games against top-five opponents, and enters this matchup after an 84-60 loss to Florida. In that game, Texas allowed a late 15-2 run and struggled offensively, going over five minutes without a field goal.

Tre Johnson has been a standout for the Longhorns, leading the team with 16 points in their loss to Florida. Ze’Rik Onyema and Arthur Kaluma also contributed double-doubles, but Texas will need more consistent production from its backcourt. The Longhorns rank 59th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 66.9 points per game, but their offense has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 41.6% from the field.

Texas has been stronger at home, with an 8-3 record, and will look to use the home-court advantage to break Missouri’s winning streak.

Betting Prediction

Texas is a slight 2.5-point favorite at home, with the total set at 148.5 points. Missouri’s recent form and offensive efficiency make them an attractive underdog pick, especially given Texas’ struggles against high-caliber opponents. Missouri’s ability to score consistently should help them cover the spread and potentially win outright.

Projected final score: Missouri 78, Texas 73. The total could go over 148.5, as both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently in recent games.

Pick: Missouri +2.5, Over 148.5

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