Missouri Tigers vs California Golden Bears Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Business about to pick up for Cal, host Mizzou

After cruising to six straight wins over lower-tier opponents, the Missouri Tigers (6-1) are set to face a stiffer challenge in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Hosting ACC newcomer California Golden Bears (6-1) on Tuesday in Columbia, Mo., Missouri looks to maintain momentum despite key injuries, while Cal seeks to solidify its impressive start.

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Missouri Tigers: Depth in the Spotlight

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates has leveraged a deep roster this season, with 12 players averaging double-digit minutes. This depth will be crucial as the team plays without leading scorer Caleb Grill (13.6 points per game), who is sidelined after sustaining a neck injury in Missouri’s 81-61 win over Lindenwood last week.

Grill’s absence leaves a scoring void, but guards Tony Perkins and Marques Warrick stepped up admirably off the bench against Lindenwood, combining for 35 points. Perkins, a standout transfer from Iowa, is finding his rhythm after recovering from an earlier leg injury.

“I had some battles early trying to figure out my situation,” Perkins said. “But I just kept grinding. Today it felt good to run up and down the floor. Feeling more and more like myself every day.”

Consistent contributors like guard Tamar Bates (11.9 PPG) and forward Mark Mitchell (11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG) will also play key roles as Missouri faces a tougher opponent.

California Golden Bears: A Resurgent Program

The Golden Bears, under first-year head coach Mark Madsen, are off to their best start since the 2016-17 season. Their only loss came against Vanderbilt, and they’ve secured an impressive win at USC, showcasing resilience and potential.

Leading the way is sophomore Andrej Stojakovic, who has been a model of consistency, averaging 17.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Stojakovic has scored at least 15 points in every game this season, proving to be Cal’s go-to offensive weapon.

Cal has dealt with its own share of injuries, playing recent games without key contributors Jovan Blacksher Jr. (16.3 PPG), BJ Omot (10.8 PPG), and DJ Campbell (8.8 PPG). However, freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson has risen to the occasion, scoring 23, 16, and 25 points in the Golden Bears’ last three victories over Air Force, Sacramento State, and Mercyhurst.

“Jeremiah Wilkinson has been such a key member of the team,” Madsen said. “Very few people can stay in front of Jeremiah. He’s just relentless attacking the rim.”

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Key Matchups and Strategies

This game will test both teams’ depth and adaptability. Missouri will rely on its balanced rotation and bench production to offset Grill’s absence, while Cal will count on Wilkinson’s scoring surge and Stojakovic’s steady leadership.

Missouri’s Approach

• Bench Contributions: Perkins and Warrick must replicate their recent success.
• Defense: Containing Wilkinson’s drives and limiting Stojakovic’s scoring opportunities will be priorities.

Cal’s Approach

• Offensive Versatility: Stojakovic and Wilkinson must lead the charge while Madsen seeks secondary scoring options.
• Resilience: The team needs to sustain its energy, especially without its full complement of players.

Coach Dennis Gates’ Connection

Adding intrigue to this matchup is Dennis Gates’ personal connection to California, where he played during his college years. This game serves as a homecoming of sorts, though his focus remains squarely on continuing Missouri’s strong season.

Game Implications

For Missouri, this game is a benchmark for how well their depth can handle high-pressure situations. For California, a road victory would reinforce their credibility as a rising power in the ACC.

Conclusion With two evenly matched teams, this SEC/ACC Challenge clash promises to be a showcase of depth, resilience, and emerging talent. Both Missouri and California have navigated injuries and tough opponents to reach 6-1 records, and this matchup could define the early trajectory of their seasons.

Will Missouri’s depth prevail, or will Cal’s star performers shine brightest? Fans can expect a thrilling contest as the Tigers and Golden Bears collide in Columbia.