Sat Feb 15 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Tennessee Volunteers Set for In-State Showdown Against Vanderbilt

**KNOXVILLE, TN** – The No. 5/4 Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team will face off against the Vanderbilt Commodores in an in-state rivalry game this Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena (formerly Food City Center). Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

The Volunteers hold a commanding 131-win advantage over Vanderbilt, their most victories against any opponent. Tennessee boasts a strong home record against the Commodores, with a 28-9 record at Thompson-Boling Arena since its opening. They’ve also won seven straight home games against Vanderbilt by an average margin of 13.4 points per game.

While Vanderbilt finished the 2023-24 season with a 9-23 record, junior guard Jason Edwards leads the Commodores with 17.4 points per game. This game marks the 14th time in the last 16 meetings where Tennessee has been ranked and Vanderbilt has not.

Tennessee’s dominance extends beyond this specific rivalry. Under Coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers have a remarkable 34-7 record against in-state opponents and a strong 27-9 record in the second leg of home-and-home series. The team also boasts impressive national rankings, having achieved a top-10 ranking in 31 of the last 36 AP Polls. Igor Milicic Jr. has also made a name for himself with impressive performances.

Individually, several Volunteer players are approaching significant milestones. Zakai Zeigler is nearing the top five in SEC history for assists, while Jahmai Mashack and Zeigler are close to their 100th career win at Tennessee. Other players are also on the verge of reaching program records in blocks and three-pointers made.

Tennessee’s recent success against ranked opponents is noteworthy. Over the past four years, they’ve recorded 26 wins against AP top-25 teams, leading the nation. Their home advantage is particularly pronounced, with a strong winning percentage against ranked opponents at Thompson-Boling Arena under Coach Barnes.

The game promises to be a significant test for both teams, with a highly anticipated atmosphere expected given Tennessee’s history of sell-out crowds.

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