Missouri basketball vs SLU scout report, score prediction

For the first time in a quarter-century, Missouri and Saint Louis men's basketball teams are set to meet on the court. Missouri, fresh off a dominant 61-point win against Cleveland State in their season opener, is heading into their beefed-up nonconference slate, traveling to Saint Louis for a game on November 6 at the neutral Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPNU.

Saint Louis, coached by Josh Schertz, made quick work of former Mizzou head coach Dennis Gates' former team in their season debut and advanced to last year's NCAA Tournament first round before falling to eventual national champion Michigan. Several key players from that tournament squad are returning for Saint Louis this year.

Saint Louis guard CJ Gunn was ruled ineligible and will not play in Friday's game. Mizzou also has significant court drama in November with standout forward Robbie Avila facing a preliminary injunction hearing. Avila, SLU's leading scorer last season, could be ruled ineligible but a ruling is expected soon. If favorable, Avila will play for Saint Louis.

SLU's high-energy 5th-year guard, Kellen Thames, son of former Mizzou star Kelly Thames, will face his father's former school. Thames' impressive performance in SLU's season opener, including a 15-point and 6-rebound game against Lehigh, makes him a significant challenge for Mizzou. Missouri will need to devise a defensive strategy against a smaller, quicker guard like Green. With a size advantage, Missouri should have an answer for Green's efficiency in scoring zones.

The score prediction for Friday's game is Missouri 83, Saint Louis 78. Both teams are averaging strong performances and this game promises to be competitive and entertaining.