Thu Feb 06 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Top-Ranked Tennessee Vols Face Stiff Test Against Missouri Tigers

**KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –** The No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team will face their fifth consecutive top-15 SEC opponent on Wednesday night when they host the No. 15/16 Missouri Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena (formerly Food City Center). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

The matchup marks a significant challenge for the Vols, who are riding a wave of success against ranked opponents. Tennessee holds a 10-6 series advantage over Missouri since the Tigers joined the SEC in 2012, including a 10-5 record in conference play. The teams have met as ranked opponents three times previously, with Missouri holding a slight 2-1 edge. However, Tennessee has won their last five road games against Missouri, though they’ve lost their last two home contests against the Tigers.

This game features several interesting storylines beyond the rankings. Tennessee guards Chaz Lanier and Missouri’s Jacob Crews were teammates at North Florida. Furthermore, several Tennessee players and assistant coaches have Missouri ties.

Tennessee’s recent defensive dominance is noteworthy, as they lead the nation in effective field goal percentage, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Conversely, Missouri, coming off a rebuilding season, is led by senior guard Tamar Bates, a high-percentage free-throw shooter averaging 13.5 points per game. The Volunteers have demonstrated their defensive prowess recently, holding two of KenPom’s top six offenses to an abysmal combined 14.9% from three-point range.

The game marks a historical moment for Tennessee, as it’s the first time they’ve faced five consecutive AP top-15 opponents. The Vols are also boasting impressive recent records against highly-ranked teams, leading the nation in AP top-25 wins over the past four years. The team’s success under Coach Rick Barnes, particularly at home against ranked opponents, is also a key talking point. Barnes’ team boasts an impressive home record against top-25 opponents, and their six consecutive wins against top-five home opponents is an SEC record.

Several Tennessee players are nearing significant milestones, including Zakai Zeigler who is close to entering the SEC’s all-time top 10 in assists. Furthermore, four players—Darlinstone Dubar, Jordan Gainey, Chaz Lanier, and Zakai Zeigler—have all surpassed the 1,300-point mark in their collegiate careers, a remarkable achievement.

With both teams possessing strong records and compelling narratives, Wednesday’s game promises to be a highly competitive and closely-watched contest.

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