Missouri basketball fans, buckle up! After a nail-biting victory over Vanderbilt, Mizzou has climbed the March Madness ladder, and things are looking promising.
The Tigers, now sitting at 18-8 overall and 8-5 in the SEC, managed to fend off a fierce comeback from the Commodores, who nearly stole the game with a last-second half-court attempt. That win was crucial, and here's why.
Missouri's Tournament Résumé
As of now, Missouri boasts a NET ranking of No. 59, having jumped seven spots in just a few days. Their Quad 1 record stands at an even 4-4, thanks to the Vanderbilt win, while their Quad 2 record is 3-4.
They’ve been dominant in Quads 3 and 4, going 3-0 and 8-0, respectively. The quadrant system, which takes into account game location and opponent strength, shows that Missouri is making a solid case for themselves.
ESPN's Take: Off to Dayton
ESPN’s bracket guru, Joe Lunardi, has Missouri pegged as an 11-seed, heading to Dayton, Ohio, for a First Four matchup. They’re slated to face USC, led by former Arkansas coach Eric Musselman.
Joining them in Dayton, according to ESPN, would be Santa Clara and UCLA. Missouri’s familiarity with SEC opponents like Texas A&M and Auburn, both 10-seeds, adds an interesting twist.
CBS Sports: A Show-Me State Showdown
Now here’s a matchup that’ll get fans buzzing. CBS Sports has elevated Missouri to a 10-seed, setting up a potential in-state clash with 7-seed Saint Louis in the Round of 64.
The Billikens, with a stellar 24-2 record under coach Josh Schertz, are favorites in the A-10. This would be the first meeting between the two Missouri teams since 2001, and it promises to be a thrilling affair.
On3's Prediction: Dayton Bound
James Fletcher III at On3 echoes the Dayton prediction, placing Missouri in a First Four game against UCF as an 11-seed. The competition is fierce, with New Mexico and UCLA also in the mix. The SEC race remains tight, with teams like Texas A&M and Georgia fighting for those final spots.
Bart Torvik's Analytics: Rising Chances
Bart Torvik’s analytics give Missouri a 61.2% chance of making the tournament, a significant leap from just a few days ago. The Tigers’ odds have been buoyed by their recent performances, and the Vanderbilt win was pivotal. According to Torvik’s simulations, Missouri is likely heading to Dayton as an 11-seed, a common theme across the board.
In summary, Missouri’s path to March Madness is heating up, and fans have plenty to be excited about. Whether it’s a showdown in Dayton or a clash with Saint Louis, the Tigers are poised to make some noise. Keep your eyes peeled, Mizzou nation-this is going to be a thrilling ride!