Expert Prediction for Princeton vs. Missouri Matchup

Princeton (21-8 SU 14-12 ATS) vs. Missouri (24-9 SU 16-17 ATS)
When: Saturday, March 18th: 6:10 ET
Where: Golden 1 Center Sacramento, CA
TV: TNT
Point Spread: Prin +6.5/MU -6.5 (Deposit $200, get $200 FREE when you use bonus code PREDICT100 at MyBookie Sportsbook!)
Total: 151.0
Money Line: Prn +240/Mizzu -311

The Princeton Tigers will take on the Missouri Tigers in a thrilling NCAA basketball matchup on Saturday, March 18th, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA. Our expert analysis covers everything from the line movement, and average power rating of opponents played to offense vs. defense and three-point shooting. Get our pick against the spread and increase your chances of winning big!

Line Movement

Not a lot of spread movement, although the money associated with the Mizz -6.5 line has moved up and down. The total has been on the decline all week from its opener of 151 and just took a big drop down to 146 points from 147.5 while we were putting this article together.

Last Game Info

Princeton will be looking for another win, as they most recently defeated Arizona by a score of 74-65. The Tigers also picked up an ATS victory as they were +3.5 point underdogs. The combined 139 points finished above the 138 total line.

Missouri will be looking for another win, as they most recently defeated Utah State by a score of 72-61. The Tigers also picked up an ATS victory as they were -9 point underdogs. The combined 133 points did not surpass the 158 total line.

Current Form

Princeton
Over their last five games, Princeton has a straight-up record of 5-0 while going 5-0 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Tigers’ offense averages 73.8 points per game while hitting 42.2% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 40.2% from the field while allowing 70.6 points per contest.

Missouri
In their previous five contests, Missouri is 4-1 straight up and 3-2 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 77.6 points per game on a shooting percentage of 49.1%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 45.8% of their shots while giving up 71.8 points per game.

How Does Princeton Fare On Neutral Courts?

On neutral courts, the Tigers put together a mark of 3-1 this season.

How Does Missouri Fare On Neutral Courts?

This season, the Tigers are 3-1 in games on neutral courts.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Princeton is averaging 79.9 points per game (17th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 48.8%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Missouri defense that has allowed an average of 74.6 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 44.7% of their shots vs. Missouri. On the other side, the Missouri Tigers are coming into the game averaging 65.5 points per game on a shooting percentage of 42.6%. The Tigers will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 68.6 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 42.3% of their shots vs. the Tigers.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Princeton has a shooting percentage of 38.8% while ranking 90th in attempts per game. The Tigers will be facing a Missouri defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 35.4%. Missouri enters the game having hit 28.1% of their looks from deep while averaging 5.18 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Princeton has allowed opponents to hit 32.2% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Princeton

• Deven Austin (Out) Lower Body

Missouri

• Ronnie Degray III (Out) Knee
• Kaleb Brown (Out) Illness

Pick Against The Spread

Did Princeton play excellent defense, or did Arizona just come out flat? I think the latter, with Ariz shooting just 42% from the field and 19% 3-point shooting. This is from a team that ranked in the top 10 in scoring and FG% and top 25 in three-point shooting percentage. The Tigers will face another strong offense today, and we’ll see a different result this time. Mizz not only averaged 80 points per game this season their defense couldn’t be considered top-rung, allowing 75.2 points per game in conference play and a 310th ranked 74.8 overall. The pace should be decent, with both teams ranking in the top 100 in field goal attempts per game.
Additionally, Missouri’s steal 2nd ranked in steals (10.3 per game) could lead to some easy fast break points. There was a big drop in the total from 147.5 while I was writing this, so maybe there is some player news that I’m missing, so go easy on this if you’re tailing. Take the Over 146.