Missouri is a perfect 12-0 at home, and they are hosting an Oklahoma State squad that has struggled on the road lately. With the Cowboys also 26-43 as road dogs, lay the points.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys make the trip to Columbia to square off against Big 12 Conference foe and host Missouri Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
This contest will be carried on ESPN2 with tip-off set for 2:00PM EST. The Cowboys have struggled recently when playing away from home losing two of their last three, and face a Missouri team that is perfect at home this season with a 12-0 record.
Oklahoma State is averaging 68.6 points per game on 41 percent shooting from the field against teams that would normally allow 69.2 points per game. Defensively the Cowboys have allowed opposing teams to average 67.3 points per game on 41.4 percent shooting. OSU lacks size and relies too heavily on their perimeter game for the bulk of their scoring which explains their inability to consistently make shots.
Also for OSU backers we find them in one of their most costly situations as they are only 26-43 against the spread on the highway when installed as an underdog. While their host finds themselves in one of their most favorable situations which is playing at home where they are 21-6 against the spread the last 27 times to post and 13-5 ATS in home games the last two seasons.
The Tigers are also 12-4 ATS in home games when facing teams with a winning record. Missouri is averaging 87.9 points per game on 50 percent from the field at home this season versus teams that only average allowing 67.8 points per game. This type of scoring disparity helps explain their perfect record when they take the floor in Columbia.
On defense the Tigers have done a good job of holding opponents to 58.8 points per game when they come in averaging 70 points per game this type of defense also helps create a perfect home record. The role of favorite has not been a problem for the Tigers as they are a solid 21-12 against the spread in this role since last season.
This is a very important conference game for both teams but the tempo and pace should be controlled by the home squad. Add to that a television audience and we have the makings of a solid effort from the Tigers, as they send the Cowboys back to Stillwater with a Double Loss on their resume.
Projected Forecast: Missouri Tigers 88 Oklahoma State 74
Free Pick: Missouri -6 (-110)