Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Missouri vs Miami Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Tigers make their 31st NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.
- The Hurricanes make their first NCAA Tournament since 2023.
- This marks the second all-time matchup between the two squads.
The final matchup of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament will conclude in the late hours when the Miami Hurricanes take on the Missouri Tigers. The latter stands out as the slight favorite, presenting a tough matchup that will entertain fans to cap off the Round of 64.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 20, 10:10 pm ET
- Where: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
- How to Watch: truTV
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | -110 | +1 | O145.5 |
| Miami | -110 | -1 | U145.5 |
Game Preview
The Tigers (20-12) remain active as a NCAA Tournament contender, making four appearances and counting this decade. All-SEC honoree Mark Mitchell led Missouri throughout his senior campaign, posting team-best totals with 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Three Tigers score in double figures with Jayden Stone (13.2) and Trent Pierce (10.6) following Mitchell’s lead.
The Hurricanes (25-8) have enjoyed a major resurgence under first-year head coach Jai Lucas, going from the bottom last season to being one of the best teams this campaign. Miami makes its 13th appearance in the Big Dance and first since its historic run to the Final Four in 2023. The Hurricanes are shooting 50.1% from the floor, which tops the ACC and is 12th nationally. Three Canes earned All-ACC honors: Malik Reneau (First Team), Tre Donaldson (Second Team) and Ernest Udeh Jr. (Defensive Team). Reneau leads the attack with a scoring average of 18.8 points per game. Tre Donaldson comes next with 16.5 points to go with a team-best 5.8 assists, while Ernest Udeh Jr. has a Miami-leading 9.3 rebounds per game this season.
Missouri vs Miami Head-to-Head
The two programs have had once meeting in their history, and the result is 1-0 for the Tigers. The last matchup was in March 2002 when Missouri won 93-80 in that year’s NCAA Tournament.
Missouri vs Miami Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Purdue and Queens in the second round. This game certainly stands out as a tossup with both teams possessing traits that can have them prevail in this duel. Miami has the potent offense and the momentum to make serious noise in the tournament. As for Missouri, they look to get a big performance out of Mark Mitchell to make this game a competitive one. Our betting pick here is the Hurricanes to cover a 1-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Miami Hurricanes +1
NCAAB
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