Game- (5) Missouri vs. (3) Baylor
Opening Line- Baylor -3.5
Closing Line ( as of publication)- Baylor -4.5
Betting Percentage (as of publication)- Baylor(30%) Missouri(70%)
Matchup to watch- Baylor’s Pierre Jackson vs. Missouri’s Phil Pressey
X factor- Baylor’s Perry Jones
Sharp Money Play- Baylor -4.5
After coming off of its first loss of the season to the Kansas Jayhawks, i expect a motivated and determined Baylor squad to take the floor Saturday in front of one of the few sold out home games in school history for Baylor. This is not going to be a easy task as they are facing a feisty Missouri team who has been destroying teams with their speed. Missouri, who plays most of the time with 4 guards on the court at one time, will have a problem saturday with the front line of Baylor who is led by the 6″11 All-American Perry Jones. Rebounding will be the key to winning the game Saturday and Baylor by far has the edge on the boards. Also with the depth of Baylor they have the ability to matchup and slow down some of the guards from Missouri. The key matchup for the game will be between the two lighting quick point guards of each squad, Baylor’s Pierre Jackson and Missouri’s Phil Pressey. Both players are the spark plugs for their teams, with their ability to dictate the games speed and also with the ability of creating open shots for their teammates. I expect these two players to cancel each other out as they both have a very similiar style of game and they both have the speed to keep up with each other on the defensive end. The X factor for the game will be Baylors versatile big man Perry jones. Missouri will not have anybody able to match up with Jones, as Missouri tallest player on the roster is 6 “8. Jones is not your typical big man as he has the ability to run the floor, score in the post, and shoot the midrange and outside shot. I expect Jones the Baylor Bears to bounce back from the tough road loss and to come into Saturdays game without the pressure of being undefeated and to play exceptional ball and to come out victorious. Take Baylor -4.5