Kansas at Missouri: 2022-23 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
Missouri is one of the single-digit unbeaten teams in college basketball. Will their run end against the Kansas Jayhawks?
TV schedule: Saturday, December 10th, 5:15 pm ET. ESPN
Arena: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri
The “Border War” (or Border Showdown) between Kansas and Missouri hasn’t been played much since the Tigers went to the SEC, just three times since 2009. The Jayhawks won all three, including last season’s 102-65 thumping with the series resuming going forward.
Missouri (9-0) is a completely different program this time around, with new head coach Dennis Gates and a rebuilt roster filled with mid-major transfers that have been impressive to this point. They’re one of 10 unbeaten programs and currently with the No. 1 scoring offense in the country at 93.0 ppg.
Seven players are averaging at least 9.0 ppg, led by D’Moi Hodge with 16.7 ppg. Kobe Brown, who was an All-SEC Player last season, is putting up 14.3 ppg and a team-leading 5.8 rpg. Missouri has gotten so many contributions that Isiaih Mosley, who averaged over 20 ppg a year ago at Missouri State, is only producing 9.0 ppg in 18 mpg off the bench so far.
To be very clear though, the Tigers haven’t played not many good teams to this point, feasting off of Quad 4 opponents, though they do have an overtime road win at Wichita State. Kansas (8-1) is a massive upgrade in competition, ranked No. 6 in the country, and looks every bit of a national title contender once again.
The Jayhawks‘ last game was a 26-point victory against Seton Hall, led by Jalen Wilson and Kevin McCullar each with double-doubles. Six players were in double figures and it was easily the best collective offense performance of the season. Wilson now averaged over 21 ppg and 9.0 rpg on the season, with Gradey Dick (15.3 ppg) second in scoring.
Next. Ranking the final 10 unbeaten teams. dark
Kansas has the ability to score at a high level but still emphasizes defense. It’s going to be a test for Missouri who hasn’t faced anything like the Jayhawks to this point. With the game at home and new energy brought by Gates and company, this is a game that should be close for 20 minutes or so but in the end, talent, and Kansas should win out.
Prediction: Kansas 87, Missouri 73