CBB: Missouri at Baylor (1:45 PM ET, Big 12 Network)

Sometimes it’s not just the teams at the top of a given league’s standings that play in important contests. The next level can prove just as crucial. In the Big 12 on Saturday, a pair of teams outperforming preseason expectations will meet when Missouri t

2010-02-12

Sometimes it’s not just the teams at the top of a given league’s standings that play in important contests. The next level can prove just as crucial. In the Big 12 on Saturday, a pair of teams outperforming preseason expectations will meet when Missouri travels to Baylor. Both teams appear NCAA tourney bound, but wins over competing teams are key to convincing the committee. Read on for a preview of the game then head over to the LIVE ODDS page on Sportsbook.com and submit your wagers before the 1:45 PM ET tip-off.

The Tigers and Bears are looking to move up in the Big 12 standings and will do battle in Baylor. Missouri’s style is to pressure the entire court, nonetheless that is nearly impossible to do unless they make shots, which sets up the press. A quick perusal of Mizzou’s season shows that most losses have occurred on off-shooting outings. Make baskets and the Tigers (18-6, 10-8 ATS) are 13-5 ATS versus offensive teams scoring 77 or more points a game.

This is an important contest for Baylor (18-5, 11-5 ATS), since they will either be favored or a short road underdog in next five Big 12 engagements. The Bears follow the lead of guard Tweety Carter, who can score or dish. The Baylor big people add more than expected and do nice work cleaning the glass. That point is meaningful since Missouri will force turnovers, making rebounding a must to control an aspect of the contest. The Bears are 22-9 ATS against teams who make eight or more 3-point shots a game.

Baylor has covered the last six head-to-head meetings in Waco, winning four times outright. That could have a big impact on how bettors view this game. The StatFox Power Line shows Baylor by 3.

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