Kentucky Wildcats vs Missouri Tigers Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
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The Kentucky Wildcats and Missouri Tigers meet in the SEC Tournament 2nd Round on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 PM ET with television coverage on the SEC Network. Kentucky enters the matchup as a -3.5 favorite, while Missouri is listed at +3.5, and the total for the game is 148.5 according to DraftKings. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Wildcats Carry Momentum into Quarterfinal Push
The Kentucky Wildcats come into this matchup with a 20-12 overall record and a 10-8 record in SEC play this season. Kentucky advanced to this round of the SEC Tournament after defeating LSU 87-82 in the first round. Over their last five games, the Wildcats have recently won over LSU, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina, while also recently losing to Florida and Texas A&M.
Kentucky averages 81.2 points per game while allowing 74.0 points per game this season. The Wildcats shoot 47% from the field, grab 38.3 rebounds per game, and average 16.2 assists per contest. On the defensive side, Kentucky contributes 4.3 blocks and 7.1 steals per game, often using length and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses.
In their first-round victory over LSU, Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 23 points while also grabbing 8 rebounds, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. The Wildcats shot 50% from the field in the win and committed only five turnovers, demonstrating strong ball control in a tournament setting. Kentucky now faces a short turnaround, but if they maintain that offensive efficiency and disciplined play, they will have a strong chance to advance.
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Tigers Ready After First-Round Bye
The Missouri Tigers enter the SEC Tournament with a 20-11 overall record and a 10-8 mark in SEC play, earning a bye into the second round. Over their last five games, Missouri has recently won over Mississippi State and Tennessee, while also recently losing to Arkansas and Oklahoma, and Arkansas again in overtime.
Missouri averages 79.9 points per game while allowing 75.3 points per game this season. The Tigers shoot 49% from the field, collect 35.6 rebounds per game, and average 14.3 assists per contest. Defensively, Missouri contributes 3.5 blocks and 6.6 steals per game, relying on efficient shooting and balanced scoring to stay competitive in conference play.
In their most recent game, Missouri fell to Arkansas 88-84 in overtime, but Mark Mitchell delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting while also attacking the free-throw line. Shawn Phillips Jr. controlled the glass with 10 rebounds in the contest. Missouri shot 48% from the field in the game and pushed the Razorbacks to overtime, showing the offensive capability they bring into this matchup. With the rest advantage from the first-round bye, Missouri will try to push the pace and take advantage of Kentucky playing on a short turnaround.
Kentucky Wildcats vs Missouri Tigers Pick
Kentucky Wildcats vs Missouri Tigers Spread Pick
- Pick: Kentucky Wildcats -3.5
Kentucky enters this matchup with momentum after a strong first-round performance and showed impressive offensive efficiency against LSU. While Missouri has the rest advantage, Kentucky’s depth and rebounding edge give them a strong chance to control the interior and generate second-chance opportunities. I expect the Wildcats’ balanced offense and defensive pressure to help them pull away late.
Kentucky Wildcats vs Missouri Tigers Total Pick
- Pick: Over 148.5
I like the over in this matchup because both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently and push the pace. Kentucky just scored 87 points in their tournament opener, and Missouri has consistently been involved in games played in the high 70s and 80s. With both offenses capable of putting together scoring runs, I see this game turning into an up-tempo contest that pushes the total over the number.
Final Score Prediction: Kentucky 82, Missouri 76
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