In beating Mississippi State, Missouri can finally take a minute to breathe. The Tigers entered the SEC Tournament on a three-game losing streak, giving up at least 90 points in five of their last six games. In the second round, Missouri held MSU to 73 points and 36 percent from the floor. But the biggest improvement came in the form of interior defense. The Tigers still gave up 30 points in the paint, but they held the Bulldogs to 8/18 on layups. For most of the past few weeks, Missouri’s post-defense was non-existent, so to see any improvement should provide a huge relief to Mizzou fans. Tamar Bates scored a game-high 25 points in the win, and Tony Perkins added 20. The Tigers can celebrate tonight, but they have a second meeting with Florida this season in the quarterfinals tomorrow.
Florida enters the SEC Tournament on a three-game win streak and has won nine of its last 10 games. This season, the Gators surprised many with its improved defense, quickly becoming one of the most balanced teams in the country. Florida has the ninth-highest-scoring offense this season at 84.5 points per game and is allowing only 68.2 points to opponents. That kind of balance is a huge reason for Florida’s success. The Gators made it to the SEC Tournament championship game a year ago, but this team is much better than that one. Is it enough to get Florida its first conference tournament title since 2014?
How to watch Missouri vs Florida
- Date: Friday, March 14
- Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Venue: Bridgestone Arena
- How to Watch (TV): SECN
- Steaming: fubo TV
- Missouri record: 22-10
- Florida record: 27-4
Missouri vs Florida odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Money line:
- Missouri +285
- Florida -365
Spread:
- Missouri +8.5 (-110)
- Florida -8.5 (-110)
Total:
- 160.5 (Over -115/Under -105)
Missouri injury report
- Mark Mitchell - Questionable (knee)
Florida injury report
- Sam Alexis - Out (ankle)
Missouri and Florida series history
- Missouri all-time record vs Florida 5-11
Missouri vs. Florida prediction
If there is one thing going to Missouri in this matchup with Florida, it is that the Tigers found success against the Gators earlier in conference play. Mizzou knocked off Florida in Gainesville 83-82 back in January. But that Tigers team was playing much better than the one competing in the SEC Tournament. However, Missouri’s offense continues to put up big numbers. The Tigers are one of the top-scoring teams in the country at 84.5 points per game. The offense isn’t the concern against Florida, the defense is. Missouri has struggled all season defending the rim and is allowing nearly 32 points in the paint - which plays right into one of Florida's strengths. Missouri had a good defensive performance in the second round of the tournament against Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs’ offense is nothing compared to what the Tigers will see against Florida.
It will be a tall task for Missouri to upset Florida for a second time this season, but the Tigers can do it. However, it will be much harder if Mark Mitchell is unable to play. He missed most of the previous game against MSU with a knee injury. The Tigers will also need to figure out how to get steals again. Missouri hasn’t reached double-digit steals in its last four games after averaging nearly 10 per game this year.
Playing Florida is a nightmare for opponents. The Gators' defense has a ton of length, and makes passing difficult for opponents - Florida averages just under eight steals per game. Florida averages blocks just over four shots per game, and the Gators currently ranks No. 2 in the country in rebounding, grabbing just over 42 per game.
Offensively, Florida can beat you anywhere on the court, averaging over 37 points in the paint, nearly 17 fast break points, and 15.5 second-chance points. But let's not forget about Florida’s three-point shooting. The Gators average right around 10 made per game. Walter Clayton Jr leads the team in scoring with just over 17 points per game, but Alijah Martin, Will Richard, and Alex Condon have put up some huge numbers in recent games. There’s just too much that this Florida team does well. Good luck trying to stop all of its weapons.