Missouri Tigers Edge Florida Gators in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Mizzou Arena
Missouri Tigers 76, Florida Gators 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Florida Gators vs Missouri Tigers?
Missouri Tigers beat Florida Gators 76-74 at Mizzou Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida Gators vs Missouri Tigers?
Florida Gators were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Mizzou Arena, the Missouri Tigers narrowly defeated the Florida Gators with a final score of 76-74. This game showcased the competitive nature of both teams, highlighting their contrasting recent forms and home versus away performances. The Tigers entered this game with a home record of 11-3, while the Gators held a record of 9-5. Missouri had been strong at home, boasting a 7-0 record, although they were coming off a loss in their last game against the Illinois Fighting Illini, where they suffered a significant defeat with a score of 48-91. In contrast, Florida was on a four-game winning streak and had a solid away record of 7-1, despite losing their last two road games.
In terms of scoring, Missouri averaged 80.6 points per game over their last ten outings but had seen a dip in their last five games, where they scored an average of 69.2 points while allowing 76.8 points. Florida, on the other hand, had been more prolific, averaging 83.7 points in their last ten games and 87.8 points in their last five, while allowing 68.2 points. This contrast in scoring averages set the stage for an exciting encounter, with both teams capable of putting points on the board.
The history between the two teams was also noteworthy, as they had met twice in the current season, splitting the series with Missouri winning 83-82 in January and Florida taking the rematch 95-81 in March. This fixture was crucial for both teams, not only for bragging rights but also for momentum heading into the later stages of the season.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but injuries can often play a significant role in the outcome of games, especially in high-stakes matchups like this one. The absence of key players can shift the dynamics of the game significantly.
The betting market had Florida favored by 7.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 154.5. The odds reflected the Gators' recent form and their ability to score, but the close final score indicated that Missouri was able to exceed expectations and compete strongly against the spread.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed key moments that defined the outcome. In the second half, Boogie Fland made crucial free throws to keep Florida in contention, while Anthony Robinson II's long-range three-pointer gave Missouri a vital boost. The final minutes were tense, with both teams trading points and the lead changing hands multiple times.
Ultimately, Missouri's ability to capitalize on free throws in the closing moments, particularly from Jacob Crews, proved decisive. His contributions helped the Tigers maintain their lead in the final stretch, despite a late push from Florida, including a layup from Thomas Haugh that brought the Gators within striking distance.
The game concluded with Missouri securing a hard-fought victory, showcasing their resilience and home-court advantage. This matchup not only highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams but also set the stage for their future encounters as they continue to vie for positioning in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FLA -7.5 | 154.5 o -108 / u -112 | Florida Gators -325 · Missouri Tigers +260 |
Leaders
- PointsAnthony Robinson II19Missouri Tigers
- AssistsAnthony Robinson II5Missouri Tigers
- ReboundsAnthony Robinson II8Missouri Tigers
- PointsThomas Haugh24Florida Gators
- AssistsBoogie Fland7Florida Gators
- ReboundsRueben Chinyelu8Florida Gators
Recent form
Missouri Tigers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L180.6 scored · 71 allowed per game7-0 at home
- L48-91at Illinois Fighting IlliniDec 23
- W82-60vs Bethune-Cookman WildcatsDec 14
- W85-77vs Alabama State HornetsDec 12
- L60-80at Kansas JayhawksDec 7
- L71-76at Notre Dame Fighting IrishDec 3
- W86-59vs Cleveland State VikingsNov 28
- W98-66vs South Carolina State BulldogsNov 26
- W102-68vs South Dakota CoyotesNov 21
- W91-73vs Prairie View A&M PanthersNov 18
- W83-60vs Minnesota Golden GophersNov 13
Florida Gators
Last 10: 7-3Streak W483.7 scored · 68.2 allowed per game0-2 away
- W94-72vs Dartmouth Big GreenDec 29
- W90-60vs Colgate RaidersDec 21
- W102-61vs Saint Francis Red WolvesDec 17
- W80-70vs George Washington RevolutionariesDec 13
- L73-77at UConn HuskiesDec 10
- L66-67at Duke Blue DevilsDec 3
- W90-78vs Providence FriarsNov 28
- L80-84vs TCU Horned FrogsNov 27
- W80-45vs Merrimack WarriorsNov 22
- W82-68vs Miami HurricanesNov 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Florida Gators | Missouri Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-63 | 25-55 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 7-27 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 36 |
| Free throws | 15-20 | 18-30 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 26 |
| Assists | 17 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 32 |
| Fouls | 22 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 46 | 48 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-43Mark Mitchell makes layup (Shawn Phillips Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half39-45Anthony Robinson II makes layup
- 2nd Half41-45Rueben Chinyelu makes layup (Thomas Haugh assists)
- 2nd Half41-47Jacob Crews makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-47Thomas Haugh makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half43-49Anthony Robinson II makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-51Anthony Robinson II makes layup
- 2nd Half46-51Xaivian Lee makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half46-53T.O. Barrett makes layup
- 2nd Half46-56Trent Pierce makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jayden Stone assists)
- 2nd Half47-56Alex Condon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-56Micah Handlogten makes layup (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half50-56Thomas Haugh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-56Micah Handlogten makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half52-57Shawn Phillips Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Thomas Haugh makes 2-foot dunk (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half54-59Anthony Robinson II makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-59Thomas Haugh makes layup (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half56-61Mark Mitchell makes layup (Anthony Robinson II assists)
- 2nd Half56-62Mark Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-63Trent Pierce makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-64Trent Pierce makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Alex Condon makes 3-foot dunk (Boogie Fland assists)
- 2nd Half60-64Boogie Fland makes layup
- 2nd Half62-64Thomas Haugh makes 8-foot jumper (Rueben Chinyelu assists)
- 2nd Half65-64Thomas Haugh makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alex Condon assists)
- 2nd Half65-66Trent Pierce makes layup
- 2nd Half65-69Trent Pierce makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mark Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Thomas Haugh makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-70Mark Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-71Mark Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-71Boogie Fland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-71Boogie Fland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-74Anthony Robinson II makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half70-74Alex Condon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Alex Condon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Jacob Crews makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Jacob Crews makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Thomas Haugh makes layup (Rueben Chinyelu assists)
- 2nd Half74-76Thomas Haugh makes free throw 1 of 1
Win probability
Above the line favours Missouri Tigers, below favours Florida Gators.
Venue
- Mizzou ArenaColumbia, MO
- Attendance12746
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Don Daily, Owen Shortt
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond