NCAAB · Final

Missouri Tigers Defeat Kentucky Wildcats 73-68

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rupp Arena

Missouri Tigers 73, Kentucky Wildcats 68, 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 Missouri Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Missouri Tigers beat Kentucky Wildcats 73-68 at Rupp Arena on January 7, 2026.

Who was favored in Missouri Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats?

Kentucky Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -900 (about 90% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling matchup at Rupp Arena, the Missouri Tigers secured a narrow victory over the Kentucky Wildcats, finishing the game with a score of 73-68. This win marks an important moment for Missouri, who now holds a 2-0 record against Kentucky in their previous meetings, having also won their last encounter on March 8, 2025, with a score of 91-83.

Entering this game, Kentucky had a home record of 9-6, with their recent form showing a mixed performance of 6 wins and 4 losses over their last 10 games. They had averaged 80.7 points scored while allowing 71.1 points per game. Their last five games had been particularly challenging, with a record of 4-1, averaging 85.2 points scored and 73.4 points allowed. However, they were coming off a loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide with a score of 74-89, which added pressure on them to perform at home.

On the other hand, Missouri entered the game with a strong away record of 12-3 and had shown resilience with a recent record of 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 79.9 points scored and allowing 72.4 points. They were on a winning streak, having just defeated the Florida Gators 76-74. Missouri's last five games reflected a record of 3-2, with an average of 70.2 points scored and 76.4 points allowed.

The odds set by DraftKings favored Kentucky, giving them a spread of -12.5, with a total set at 150.5. The moneyline odds indicated Kentucky at -900.0 while Missouri was listed at 600.0, reflecting the market's expectations prior to the game.

The game took place under competitive conditions, with both teams eager to establish dominance early on. As the match progressed, it was evident that Missouri's tactical approach and execution would be crucial. Key plays in the second half included a pivotal three-point jumper by Jayden Stone, which helped Missouri regain the lead at a critical juncture. Stone's performance was instrumental, as he also contributed multiple free throws in the closing moments of the game, solidifying their lead and ultimately securing the win.

For Kentucky, the loss adds to their struggles at home, where they now hold a home record of 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Wildcats will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back from this defeat. Missouri, buoyed by this victory, will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their season.

This game not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the importance of execution in high-pressure situations, making it a fixture worth noting in the NCAAB landscape.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	UK -12.5	150.5 o -115 / u -105	Missouri Tigers +600 · Kentucky Wildcats -900

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsOtega Oweh20Kentucky Wildcats
AssistsOtega Oweh4Kentucky Wildcats
ReboundsOtega Oweh5Kentucky Wildcats
PointsMark Mitchell Jr.21Missouri Tigers
AssistsAnthony Robinson II10Missouri Tigers
ReboundsJayden Stone7Missouri Tigers

Recent form

Kentucky Wildcats

Last 10: 6-4Streak L180.7 scored · 71.1 allowed per game6-3 at home

L74-89at Alabama Crimson TideJan 3
W99-85vs Bellarmine KnightsDec 23
W78-66vs St. John's Red StormDec 20
W72-60vs Indiana HoosiersDec 14
W103-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 10
L59-94vs Gonzaga BulldogsDec 6
L64-67vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 3
W104-54vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 27
W88-46vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsNov 22
L66-83vs Michigan State SpartansNov 18

Missouri Tigers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W179.9 scored · 72.4 allowed per game0-3 away

W76-74vs Florida GatorsJan 4
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

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	Missouri Tigers	Kentucky Wildcats
Field goals	27-52	22-51
Field goal %	52	43
Three-pointers	6-17	7-18
Three-point %	35	39
Free throws	13-18	17-24
Free throw %	72	71
Rebounds	29	31
Offensive rebounds	4	8
Defensive rebounds	25	23
Assists	20	16
Steals	8	7
Blocks	4	4
Turnovers	12	13
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	17	11
Fast-break points	7	24
Points in the paint	40	28
Fouls	19	18
Largest lead	7	8
Lead changes	11	11
Time in front	40	43

How the scoring went

2nd Half33-36Denzel Aberdeen makes layup (Jayden Quaintance assists)
2nd Half33-38Otega Oweh makes layup (Mouhamed Dioubate assists)
2nd Half35-38T.O. Barrett makes 5-foot jumper
2nd Half35-41Denzel Aberdeen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Otega Oweh assists)
2nd Half37-41Mark Mitchell makes layup (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half40-41Jacob Crews makes 23-foot three point jumper (T.O. Barrett assists)
2nd Half42-41Mark Mitchell makes 2-foot dunk (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half42-44Jaland Lowe makes 23-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
2nd Half42-47Kam Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
2nd Half44-47Shawn Phillips Jr. makes 9-foot hook shot
2nd Half44-49Mouhamed Dioubate makes 9-foot jumper
2nd Half46-49Anthony Robinson II makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half48-49Mark Mitchell makes layup
2nd Half49-49Mark Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half51-49Shawn Phillips Jr. makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half51-50Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half51-51Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half51-52Jaland Lowe makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half51-53Jaland Lowe makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half51-55Malachi Moreno makes layup (Brandon Garrison assists)
2nd Half53-55Jayden Stone makes layup (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half53-58Kam Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaland Lowe assists)
2nd Half54-58Mark Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half55-58Mark Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half55-59Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half55-60Malachi Moreno makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-60Jayden Stone makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half58-61Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-63Brandon Garrison makes 3-foot dunk (Otega Oweh assists)
2nd Half58-66Otega Oweh makes 22-foot three point jumper (Brandon Garrison assists)
2nd Half60-66Trent Pierce makes layup (Mark Mitchell assists)
2nd Half62-66Jayden Stone makes 3-foot dunk (Trent Pierce assists)
2nd Half65-66Jayden Stone makes 26-foot three point jumper (Mark Mitchell assists)
2nd Half65-68Brandon Garrison makes 8-foot jumper
2nd Half67-68Shawn Phillips Jr. makes 2-foot dunk (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half69-68Mark Mitchell makes 10-foot jumper (Anthony Robinson II assists)
2nd Half70-68Jayden Stone makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half71-68Jayden Stone makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half72-68Jayden Stone makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half73-68Jayden Stone makes free throw 2 of 2