Preview: Mizzou Basketball Travels to No. 5 Florida Seeking Massive Upset

The Missouri Tigers 2024-25 campaign has been anything but easy, with a challenging schedule that has only intensified since the start of conference play last week. The increased level of competition has tested head coach Dennis Gates and his young roster.

So far, the Tigers are 1-1 against top-25 opponents, both of which have been powerhouse programs in NCAA basketball. They faced rival Kansas at home, who was ranked No. 1 overall at the time.

Senior Tamar Bates took charge, leading Mizzou to a stunning upset over the top-ranked Jayhawks, much to the delight of the raucous home crowd.

Just last week, Mizzou opened conference play on the road against No. 2-ranked Auburn. Despite a strong effort, the Tigers couldn’t keep up and ultimately fell in what turned into a lopsided loss.

Since the Auburn matchup, Mizzou has returned to its winning ways, but their schedule remains one of the toughest in Division I basketball, presenting constant challenges for the team.

Gainesville is one of the most challenging environments in college basketball, and the Gators have been one of the hottest teams in recent weeks. Their biggest statement came last Tuesday when they dismantled previously undefeated No. 1 Tennessee with a dominant 73-43 victory, delivering a shocking blow to the top-ranked team.

Florida boasts a 15-1 overall record, with their only loss coming in their SEC opener, a six-point defeat to No. 6 Kentucky. The Gators have been dominant in their victories, with all but two wins coming by double digits.

Florida enters the matchup ranked fifth overall in the KenPom rankings, the second-highest among SEC teams, trailing only Auburn, which holds the No. 1 spot. Meanwhile, Mizzou has climbed to 39th in the same rankings.

The Gators hired Todd Golden in 2022, and he has delivered impressive results. After a disappointing 2022-23 season that saw Florida finish 16-17 and exit in the opening round of the SEC Tournament, Golden turned the program around the following year, exceeding expectations and re-establishing the Gators as a force in college basketball.

Last season, Todd Golden guided Florida to a 24-12 record, marking their highest win total in nearly a decade. The Gators made an impressive run to the SEC Tournament Championship, ultimately falling to Auburn. Despite their success, Florida's NCAA Tournament journey ended in heartbreak, as they narrowly lost their first-round matchup to Colorado by just two points as a No. 7 seed.

Florida's offense is a formidable force, featuring multiple threats who have demonstrated their ability to score consistently from all areas of the court throughout the season.

Florida enters the matchup ranked eighth in KenPom's offensive rankings and holds the fourth overall offensive rating. It will be crucial for head coach Dennis Gates to have a solid game plan in place to contain the Gators' key players and limit their scoring opportunities.

Florida's scoring is primarily driven by the dynamic duo of senior guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin. In their first season playing together under Todd Golden, they have emerged as a formidable offensive pairing.

Florida native Walter Clayton Jr. began his collegiate career at Iona, where he played his first two seasons before transferring to Florida. Since the start of last season, Clayton has been a consistent presence, starting all 52 games he’s been active for.

This season, Walter Clayton Jr. has elevated his game, particularly in terms of efficiency. He's averaging over 17 points per game, along with 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Clayton is shooting 45% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, taking approximately 13 shots per game.

Clayton does have a tendency to turn the ball over, averaging two turnovers and two fouls per game. This could present an opportunity for Mizzou’s defense to capitalize and disrupt Florida’s offensive rhythm.

Alijah Martin serves as a strong second option to Walter Clayton Jr., averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game in 30 minutes of play. Martin is an efficient scorer, shooting 46% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, while taking about half as many shots as Clayton.

Martin, who has started every game during his time at Florida, brings a strong defensive presence to the court. He averages 2 steals per game and keeps his turnovers low, with just one per contest, making him a reliable two-way player for the Gators.

Now in his fifth collegiate season, Alijah Martin is making his debut at Florida after spending the previous four years at FAU, where his opportunities were more limited.

Another key contributor in the Gators' rotation is sophomore Alex Condon, a seven-footer making an impact in his first season in Gainesville.

Condon, a consistent starter in Todd Golden’s system, logs significant minutes in each game and excels at doing the "dirty work" on both ends of the court, providing crucial support for the Gators' offense and defense.

Condon averages 11 points per game on an efficient 50% shooting from the field, with most of his scoring coming from inside the paint. He also contributes over 8 rebounds per game, placing him among the top 70 rebounders in NCAA Division I this season.

Condon’s biggest impact comes on the defensive end. Over half of his rebounds per game are on the offensive glass, creating second-chance opportunities for the Gators. Additionally, he averages nearly two blocks per game and has recorded three or more blocks in six games this season, showcasing his ability to protect the rim effectively.

Calling this contest an uphill battle would be a massive understatement. While it won’t be easy, this is a game that this Mizzou team has the tools and resilience to win.

Mizzou has already proven its ability to defeat strong opponents multiple times this season. Head coach Dennis Gates and his squad appear poised to secure a statement win against one of the top teams in their conference.

The conference rivals are set to tip off Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida.