Missouri vs Kentucky Prediction 3/8/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Missouri vs Kentucky prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, March 8th at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Missouri Tigers Betting Preview

The Missouri Tigers are 21-9 (10-7) this year after they lost to Oklahoma by a score of 96-84 in their last game. Missouri trailed 50-37 at halftime, but they did score 47 points in the second half in the loss. The Tigers shot 46.7% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 79.2% on free throws in the game. Mark Mitchell led Missouri with 18 points and four assists, while Caleb Grill added 16 points and eight rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Tigers lost to Vanderbilt by a score of 97-93, but did beat South Carolina by a score of 101-71 before that. Missouri has lost three of their last four games and they are currently tied for fifth in the SEC standings with a 10-7 record. Missouri has scored 84.6 points per game and they have allowed 72.6 points against per game, while also averaging 34 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game this season. Caleb Grill is averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while Mark Mitchell is averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this year. Missouri is shooting 48.9% from the field, 72.8% on free throws, and 37.3% on three pointers this season. 

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats are 20-10 (9-8) this season after they defeated LSU by a score of 95-64 in their last game. Kentucky led 50-23 at halftime and added 45 points in the second half to pull away in the win. The Wildcats shot 50.7% from the field, 37.5% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Garrison added 15 points and four assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Wildcats lost to Auburn by a score of 94-78, but did beat Oklahoma by a score of 83-82 before that. Kentucky has alternated wins and losses over their last seven games and they are currently eighth in the SEC standings with a 9-8 record. Kentucky has scored 85.6 points per game and they have allowed 76.8 points against per game, while also averaging 38.7 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game this season. Otega Oweh is averaging 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Lamont Butler is averaging 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this year. Kentucky is shooting 48.4% from the field, 74.2% on free throws, and 37.3% on three pointers this season. 

Why Missouri will beat Kentucky

• Missouri has won 18 of its last 19 games at Mizzou Arena.
• Kentucky has lost each of its last four road games following a home win.
• Missouri has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 games at Mizzou Arena.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Missouri’s last 13 day games against Conference opponents at Mizzou Arena have produced a total of 167 or fewer points.
• Each of Kentucky’s last four day games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 172+ points.

Missouri vs Kentucky Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup ranked in the top 20, but neither side is playing very well right now. Missouri has lost three of their last four games and they have allowed 92+ points in four of their last five, but they do play their best basketball at home. Kentucky has also had issues on defense this season, as they have allowed at least 82 points in three of their last four games. These two teams play a very similar brand of basketball and there should be no shortage of points here. Kentucky is just 1-3 in their last four road games, while Missouri is 8-1 in their last nine home games. I think the home court advantage is huge in this matchup, so give me Missouri here.