Drake basketball vs Missouri prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round

One week since winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, Drake basketball knows who its opponent will be in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The 11-seeded Bulldogs will face 6-seed Missouri in Wichita on Thursday.

Behind first-year head coach Ben McCollum, Larry Bird Trophy winner Bennett Stirtz – and three other Division II transfers – Drake enters the tournament on a seven-game winning streak.

The Bulldogs set a program record with 30 wins and won its third-straight conference championship. Could Drake’s eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament be the charm?

Here is a breakdown of the Bulldogs' matchup against Missouri.

Drake basketball enjoys its best season in decades

The Bulldogs are one of five programs nationwide with 30-or-more wins this season and only one of two – alongside Duke – with just three losses. That record includes wins against Miami, Vanderbilt and Kansas State.

Drake’s success can be attributed to a lot of things, but the four players that McCollum brought with him from Northwest Missouri State played a huge role in keeping the Bulldogs at the top, despite the departure of Darian DeVries and most of last season’s roster.

Stirtz leads all NCAA Division I players in minutes per game, averaging 39.2 and playing 40-or-more minutes in 22 of 33 games this season. The 6-foot-4 guard led the Missouri Valley Conference in points (631), assists (188) and steals (71). His averages – 19.1 points, 5.7 assists and 2.15 steals per game – are all top 40 in Division I.

Missouri’s season-long turnaround lands the Tigers in Big Dance

The Tigers went 0-18 against SEC opponents last season, but this year has been very, very different. Missouri defeated Kansas – when the Jayhawks were No. 1 – and dropped 110 points on Alabama.

A year ago, the Tigers were 215th in the nation in scoring offense. This year, Missouri is ninth in the nation, averaging 84.5 points per game. Mark Mitchell leads the way, averaging 14.1 points per game while shooting 51.2% overall.

But basketball fans in Iowa may be more familiar with a different pair of players on Missouri’s roster. Caleb Grill (13.7 ppg) transferred to the Tigers from Iowa State, and Tony Perkins (8.7 ppg) came to Missouri from the Hawkeyes.

Missouri’s prolific bench versus Drake’s go-to guys

The Bulldogs’ starting lineup has never wavered. Save for one game – in which Tavion Banks got the start over an injured Isaiah Jackson – it's been the same five guys starting each game. Stirtz, Jackson, Daniel Abreu, Mitch Mascari and Cam Manyawu.

And that lineup works for Drake. Stirtz and Mascari rarely leave the court, Abreu and Jackson pile on the defense and Manyawu does a bit of everything as the man in the middle.

Missouri boasts its cast of characters as well, but the Tigers' bench puts a lot of points on the board. Led by Grill – who’s started just one game this season – Missouri’s bench players contribute close to 30 points per game .

Drake vs Missouri prediction: March Madness first round

Drake defeats Missouri in a matchup that leans on defense more than high-scoring offense.

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Drake vs Missouri prediction, pick for March Madness first round

Topics

Notre Dame women's basketball vs Stephen F. Austin prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round

It's Notre Dame women's basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin in March Madness first round. Here's our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 14h
Oregon Basketball vs Liberty prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round

It’s Oregon vs Liberty Flames in March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 15h
Colorado State vs Memphis prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round

It’s the Colorado State Rams vs the Memphis Tigers in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 15h
Drake basketball’s March Madness opponent is Missouri to open 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket

It’s Drake basketball vs. Missouri in March Madness to open its 2025 NCAA Tournament men’s bracket. Here’s what to know about the first-round game in Wichita.
Yahoo Sports - 16h
Auburn basketball March Madness prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round

Auburn basketball will face either Alabama State or St Francis in the first round. Here's our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 1h
Louisville basketball vs Creighton prediction: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament first round?

It’s Louisville Cardinals vs Creighton Bluejays to begin March Madness. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 12h
Oregon vs. Vanderbilt in March Madness: Prediction for 2025 NCAA Tournament opener

It's Oregon vs. Vanderbilt in the first round of the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament. Here's our prediction for the March Madness basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 12h
Kentucky vs Liberty prediction in March Madness: Prediction for 2025 NCAA Tournament opener

It’s Kentucky vs Liberty in the first round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament. Here’s our prediction for the March Madness basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 12h
South Carolina vs Tennessee Tech prediction in March Madness: Prediction for 2025 NCAA opener

It's South Carolina vs Tennessee Tech in the first round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament. Here’s our prediction for the March Madness basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 12h
Drake vs. Bradley odds, how to watch, free picks: Model reveals predictions for 2025 MVC Tournament final

SportsLine's computer model revealed its best bets for Bradley Braves vs. Drake Bulldogs at the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship on CBS and streaming on Paramount+
CBS Sports - Mar. 9
Missouri vs Drake schedule, TV channel: How to watch March Madness NCAA Tournament game

What time is the Missouri vs Drake NCAA Tournament game? How to watch Tigers vs Bulldogs March Madness game on Thursday, March 20 on TV.
Yahoo Sports - 11h
Kentucky vs. Missouri odds, prediction, time: 2025 college basketball picks, March 8 bets from proven model

SportsLine's model revealed its college basketball predictions for Missouri Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday
CBS Sports - Mar. 8
March Madness 2025 bracket: NCAA Tournament picks, predictions from top-tier college basketball model

SportsLine's model has nailed 20 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds and revealed its NCAA Tournament bracket 2025
CBS Sports - 25m
Here's why South Carolina women’s basketball can, or can't, repeat as national champions

It’s South Carolina vs Tennessee Tech in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 10h
March Madness upset predictions 2025: Pick these early NCAA Tournament exits

Who will make early exits in 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket? Our best March Madness upset predictions are in.
Yahoo Sports - 12h
Louisville vs. Stanford odds, prediction, time: 2025 ACC Tournament picks, March 13 best bets by proven model

SportsLine's model just revealed its NCAA Basketball picks for the No. 13 Louisville Cardinals vs. Stanford Cardinal in the 2025 ACC Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday
CBS Sports - 3d
SIU Edwardsville vs. SE Missouri State prediction, odds: 2025 OVC Tournament Championship model picks

SportsLine's model simulated Southeast Missouri State vs. SIU Edwardsville in the 2025 OVC Tournament championship game on Saturday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - Mar. 8
Virginia vs. Georgia Tech odds, prediction, time: 2025 ACC Tournament picks from proven model

SportsLine's model revealed its college basketball predictions for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Virginia Cavaliers on Wednesday in a second round 2025 ACC Tournament game
CBS Sports - 5d
Houston vs. BYU odds, score prediction, time: 2025 Big 12 Tournament picks, March 14 best bets by proven model

SportsLine's model just revealed its NCAA Basketball picks for Houston Cougars vs. BYU Cougars on Friday in the 2025 Big 12 Tournament semifinals
CBS Sports - 2d
Missouri basketball tickets in 2025 NCAA Tournament: Prices, how to buy

Want to buy tickets to Missouri basketball’s NCAA Tournament 2025 opener? Here’s how, including prices for March Madness.
Yahoo Sports - 15h
Women’s March Madness Final Four predictions 2025: Who will win NCAA Tournament

Who will win 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament? Our best March Madness Final Four predictions and picks are in.
Yahoo Sports - 5h
Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh prediction, odds, time: 2025 ACC Tournament picks, March 11 bets from proven model

SportsLine's model simulated Pitt vs. Notre Dame in the 2025 ACC Tournament first-round game on Tuesday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - 5d
TCU vs. Colorado prediction, odds, start time: 2025 Big 12 Tournament picks, best bets by proven model

SportsLine's model simulated Colorado Buffaloes vs. TCU Horned Frogs in the first round of the 2025 Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - 6d
Cincinnati vs. Oklahoma State prediction, odds, start time: 2025 Big 12 Tournament picks from proven model

SportsLine's model simulated Oklahoma State vs. Cincinnati in the 2025 Big 12 Tournament first-round game on Tuesday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - 6d
Richmond vs. Davidson prediction, odds, time: 2025 Atlantic 10 Tournament picks from proven computer model

SportsLine's model simulated Davidson Wildcats vs. Richmond Spiders in the 2025 A-10 Conference Tournament first-round matchup on Wednesday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - 5d
Arkansas vs. South Carolina prediction, odds, time: 2025 SEC Tournament picks, March 12 bets by proven model

SportsLine's model simulated the South Carolina Gamecocks vs. John Calipari's Arkansas Razorbacks in the 2025 SEC Tournament first round on Wednesday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - 5d
Texas vs. Vanderbilt prediction, odds, time: 2025 SEC Tournament picks, best bets from proven model

SportsLine's model simulated Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Texas Longhorns in a 2025 SEC Tournament first-round game on Wednesday 10,000 times
CBS Sports - 4d
March Madness expert picks: Bracket predictions for 2025 NCAA Tournament

Looking for help to sort out your NCAA men's tournament bracket? Our experts provide their predictions for the Final Four and who will win it all.
Yahoo Sports - 22m
Where Cleveland's first/second-round matchups stand in March Madness bracket predictions

Cleveland first/second-round March Madness bracketology and predictions on Selection Sunday, when the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Michigan basketball vs. UC San Diego first round NCAA Tournament time, channel revealed

The NCAA Tournament round of 64 game times and channels have been revealed.
Yahoo Sports - 14h
Marquette basketball’s March Madness opponent is New Mexico to open 2025 NCAA tournament bracket

It’s Marquette basketball vs. New Mexico in March Madness to open its 2025 NCAA tournament men’s bracket. Here’s what to know about the first-round game in Cleveland.
Yahoo Sports - 17h
Can Tennessee basketball reach Final Four in March Madness bracket? Our prediction

Can Tennessee basketball reach NCAA bracket’s Final Four? Our 2025 March Madness predictions show how Vols can make run in tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 13h
Can Vanderbilt basketball reach Sweet 16 in March Madness bracket? Our prediction

Can Vanderbilt basketball reach NCAA bracket’s Sweet 16? Our 2025 March Madness predictions show how Commodores can make run in tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 12h
Can Oregon basketball reach Final Four in March Madness bracket? Our prediction

Can Oregon basketball reach NCAA bracket’s Final Four? Our 2025 March Madness predictions show how Ducks can make run in tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 2h
Why Louisville can make a deep run in our 2025 March Madness bracket predictions

Can Louisville basketball reach the Final Four? Our 2025 March Madness bracket predictions show how the Cards can make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Yahoo Sports - 10h
NCAA Tournament 2025 bracket picks, best upsets, Cinderella teams: Model simulates March Madness 10,000 times

SportsLine's college basketball model has called 24 first-round NCAA Tournament upsets by double-digit seeds
CBS Sports - 1h
SEC Tournament - Missouri vs Florida Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats

Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators Game Preview
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Lamar vs. McNeese odds, prediction, time: 2025 Southland Tournament final picks from proven model

SportsLine's model revealed its college basketball predictions for the McNeese Cowboys vs. Lamar Cardinals on Wednesday in the 2025 Southland Tournament championship game
CBS Sports - 4d
Northern Colorado vs. Montana odds, prediction, time: 2025 Big Sky Tournament final picks from proven model

SportsLine's model revealed its college basketball predictions for the Montana Grizzlies vs. Northern Colorado Bears on Wednesday in the 2025 Big Sky Tournament championship game
CBS Sports - 4d

More from Yahoo Sports

Yahoo Fantasy Plus identifies 3 of 2025's safest starting pitchers — should you draft them at ADP?

The Fantasy Plus Experts Consensus model has identified three of the safest starting pitchers to project. Scott Pianowski reveals if he’s in or out on each player at ADP.
Yahoo Sports - 8m
Players Championship three-hole playoff: How Rory McIlroy beat J.J. Spaun, shot-by-shot

The three-hole playoff in The Players Championship, shot-by-shot, won by Rory McIlroy.
Yahoo Sports - 8m
Argentina Superstar ‘Carries’ Inter Milan On His Shoulders In Precious Atalanta Win

Lautaro Martinez led by example in Inter Milan’s dominant 2-0 away Serie A win against fellow title rivals Atalanta.According to Tuttosport via TWM, the goal in the dying moments put the icing on ...
Yahoo Sports - 9m
3 Patriots free agents still remain unsigned

The New England Patriots have three in-house free agents that have yet to be signed by another team.
Yahoo Sports - 9m
Did Xavier make March Madness? Musketeers in First Four games of 2025 NCAA Tournament

Did Xavier basketball get into March Madness on Sunday during the NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday bracket reveal show? Here's what to know:
Yahoo Sports - 10m