The undefeated Missouri Tigers (5-0) host the hot South Dakota Coyotes (3-2) on Thursday, November 20. The 8 p.m. EST tipoff in Columbia, Missouri features a massive -28.5 spread. Fourth-ranked Mark Mitchell leads the Tigers’ high-octane offense. South Dakota comes in riding a three-game winning streak at a crucial moment.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Missouri Tigers are 5-0 at home with elite ball movement.
- South Dakota sits 0-1 on the road in non-conference play.
- Tipoff is Thursday, 8:00 p.m. EST at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.
- Betting line favors Missouri by 28.5 points with 173.5 over/under.
- Jacob Crews scored 20 points in Mizzou’s 91-73 win vs. Prairie View A&M.
Missouri Seeks Sixth Straight Win
The Tigers have dominated at home with perfection so far.
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Missouri brings a fearless offensive attack to Thursday’s matchup. Coach Dennis Gates’ Tigers shoot an impressive 56.4% from the field this season. That’s a full 10.2 percentage points better than South Dakota allows to opponents. Mark Mitchell leads the charge with 18.0 points per game while averaging 6.4 rebounds. Guard Jayden Stone complements him by scoring 13.6 points and shooting a scorching 63.4% from the floor.
The Tigers rank fifth in the SEC with 91.4 points per game. They’ve proven unstoppable at home during the early season. Thursday’s home date gives them yet another opportunity to stay undefeated on their home court.
South Dakota Brings Shooting Range
Isaac Bruns leads the Coyotes with impressive offensive numbers.
South Dakota boasts serious scoring depth. Isaac Bruns averages 17.4 points while shooting 38.9% from three-point range. Shey Eberwein chips in 10.4 points per contest. The Coyotes score 89.6 points per game and outscore opponents by 11.6 points overall. They’ve won three straight to earn this road test against an elite opponent.
South Dakota’s road record remains 0-1, making this a critical test. Their three-game streak comes from winning at home. The Coyotes shoot 45.5% from the field, which exceeds the 39.1% average that Mizzou opponents manage against the Tigers’ defense.
Key Matchup Statistics
| Stat Category | Missouri Tigers | South Dakota Coyotes |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 5-0 | 3-2 |
| Home/Away | 4-0 Home | 0-1 Away |
| Points Per Game | 91.4 | 89.6 |
| Field Goal % | 56.4% | 45.5% |
| Leading Scorer (PPG) | Mark Mitchell (18.0) | Isaac Bruns (17.4) |
The shooting disparity stands out dramatically. Missouri’s 56.4% field goal percentage towers over South Dakota’s 45.5%. That 10.9 percentage point gap explains why the Tigers command such a large spread. Missouri also holds defensive advantages across the board.
What to Watch For
- Can South Dakota improve to 1-1 on the road?
- Will Mitchell and Stone maintain their shooting accuracy?
- Does Bruns stay hot from three-point range?
- Can the Coyotes stay within 28 points for the cover?
- Look for Missouri to push pace and early scoring runs.
Can South Dakota Pull the Upset?
The 28.5-point spread represents massive respect for Mizzou’s dominance at home.
South Dakota enters as a significant underdog but brings momentum into Columbia. The Coyotes have won three consecutive games before this road test. Their shooting touch, led by Bruns, could keep them competitive early. However, Missouri’s superior shooting percentage and home-court advantage present formidable obstacles.
The Tigers have not lost at home this season. Their depth and efficiency suggest another dominant performance awaits. Unless South Dakota shoots exceptionally well and Missouri has an uncharacteristic off night, the 5-0 home team should control the tempo and secure their sixth consecutive victory.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports – Game preview and line information
- BetMGM – Betting spreads and odds data
- Official Missouri Athletics – Team statistics and records
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.