Missouri vs. Oklahoma Betting Odds: Spread, Prediction For 2021 NCAA Tournament (March 19, 2021)

Missouri vs. Oklahoma Odds

This is an interesting matchup between two teams that were looking great heading into February but struggled down the stretch. Both teams are probably glad to see the other in the first round, and one will right the ship and move on to the Round of 32.

Both teams play tough defense but don’t shoot it very well. This could be a good under look at the right number, ideally in the high 130s or low 140s. As for a side, I think the Sooners are the way to go. Oklahoma has a slight edge offensively, and has more scoring options than the Tigers.

De’Vion Harmon’s defense will be key for the Sooners in this matchup. If he can shut down Dru Smith or Xavier Pinson, the Tigers will have a really tough time putting up points.

I’d play Oklahoma up to -3. — Pat McMahon

How Oklahoma & Missouri Match Up

What To Know About Oklahoma

The Sooners are 38th in KenPom’s efficiency rankings, but they finished the season losing five of their last six games. The only win was against Iowa State, which went 0-18 in Big 12 play. Oklahoma’s offense goes through Austin Reaves, its leading scorer, rebounder and assister. They also have a few other capable scorers in Brady Manek, the streaky Umoja Gibson and De'Vion Harmon. Elijah Harkless is the do-everything glue/energy guy.

There's a lot of offensive talent for Lon Kruger to work with, but it's a very perimeter oriented offense that can get beat up in the interior and glass on both ends. Their defense is also very vulnerable on the perimeter as they sag off the 3-point line in order to cover for their lack of interior size and vulnerabilities when it comes to defending dribble penetration.

The offense is talented and won't beat itself with turnovers or free throw misses, but there's a reason why Oklahoma lost 10 games and finished as the No. 7 seed in the Big 12 this year. While competitive in most, they are just a notch below the rest of the elite teams in the Big 12.

I think that's a pretty good signal as to who this team is. They could advance to the second weekend with the right matchups, but I can't see them beating multiple elite teams in a row to make any sort of significant run. — Stuckey

What To Know About Missouri

Missouri has plenty of talent but failed to translate that into wins down the stretch, losing 6-of-9 to close out the year. Although it's worth noting that two of those losses came without Jeremiah Tilmon, who is essential to everything the Tigers want to do and uber-important on the glass.

Missouri does have some major weaknesses on defense against heavy screening action and teams that thrive in transition. It also really struggles to shoot the ball consistently outside of Dru Smith, which really limits its offense. The last thing Missouri wants to run into is a zone defense in the dance. The ability for the Tigers to make a run will likely come down to matchups. Sweet 16 is probably a realistic ceiling. — Stuckey

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