Missouri Tigers vs Vanderbilt Commodores Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Missouri Seeks Momentum After SEC Breakthrough Against Vanderbilt

Missouri shed the weight of last year’s 0-18 Southeastern Conference record with a cathartic 83-67 win over LSU on Tuesday. The Tigers (12-3, 1-1 SEC) aim to build on that success Saturday afternoon when they host Vanderbilt (13-2, 1-1) in Columbia, Mo.

Missouri’s New Look

Under head coach Dennis Gates, Missouri has transformed into a competitive squad. While the stigma of last season’s winless SEC campaign lingers, Gates insists his team is focused on the future.

“They’re not the same players they were last year,” Gates said, referring to returning guards Tamar Bates (13.1 points per game) and Anthony Robinson (10.3 points, 3.7 assists). “I just want them to focus, continue to move forward. Our goal is to play in San Antonio, Texas (at the Final Four).”

Wondering How To Win More? Start With The Expert Betting Guide.

Key additions have bolstered the Tigers’ lineup. Forward Mark Mitchell (13.1 points) and guard Marques Warrick (9.2 points) have made an immediate impact as transfers, while guard Caleb Grill (11.1 points) has provided a spark since returning from a neck injury on Dec. 30.

Vanderbilt Eyes Rebound

Vanderbilt saw its seven-game winning streak snapped Tuesday in a 76-64 loss to No. 14 Mississippi State. Despite trailing by as much as 22 points in the second half, the Commodores clawed back to cut the deficit to five before ultimately falling short.

Head coach Mark Byington found optimism in his team’s resilience:
“I want to figure out how to get good against good teams,” Byington said. “We’ll embrace setbacks and learn from it.”

Vanderbilt boasts a balanced rotation led by guard Jason Edwards (17.1 points), forward Devin McGlockton (11.2 points, 8.2 rebounds), and guard AJ Hoggard (11.1 points, 4.2 assists).

Key Matchup: Defensive Discipline

For Vanderbilt, defensive lapses proved costly against Mississippi State. Guard Grant Huffman emphasized the need for consistency on defense:
“What led to that run is them getting easy buckets, our defense breaking down,” Huffman said. “We just got to stay true to our principles in order to beat these teams that are really good.”

Missouri, on the other hand, will aim to maintain its offensive rhythm. The Tigers shot 52.8% from the field against LSU, with contributions from multiple players. Their ability to balance scoring and protect possessions will be crucial against a Vanderbilt team eager to regain its footing.

Expert NCAAB Picks You Can Trust! Explore college basketball expert picks and make informed choices.

What’s at Stake

Missouri has an opportunity to secure its first back-to-back SEC wins since February 2022, while Vanderbilt looks to avoid consecutive losses and keep pace in a competitive SEC race.

What to Watch

• Missouri’s Balanced Attack: Can Bates and Robinson continue to lead while Mitchell and Warrick provide depth?
• Vanderbilt’s Defensive Focus: Will the Commodores adjust and limit easy opportunities for the Tigers?
• Momentum Shift: A win for either team could serve as a key turning point early in conference play.

This showdown promises to be a battle of wills as both teams aim to establish their identity in the SEC.