Mizzou Tigers Set to Host No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers
The Mizzou men's basketball team is gearing up for a challenging matchup as they host their third consecutive ranked opponent, No. 22 Tennessee, at Mizzou Arena.
The game tips off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Fans attending the game can enjoy a special promotion with beers available for $1.99 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Tigers on the Rise
Missouri is sporting an 18-9 overall record this season, with an 8-6 mark in SEC play. The Tigers have been on a roll, winning four of their last six games, including a significant victory over No.
19 Vanderbilt. However, they faced a setback against No.
20 Arkansas.
Senior standout Mark Mitchell continues to lead the charge for Mizzou, averaging 17.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His recent performance against Arkansas, where he scored 26 points and dished out eight assists, underscores his pivotal role on the team.
Mizzou's offensive depth is evident, with three players averaging double figures: Jayden Stone (14.9), Trent Pierce (11.0), and Jacob Crews (9.5). Anthony Robinson II is also contributing with 9.0 points per game. The Tigers are averaging a solid 80.3 points per game, while their defense allows 75.3 points.
Volunteers on a Winning Streak
Tennessee enters the matchup with a 20-7 record and a 10-4 record in SEC action. The Volunteers have been impressive, winning their last four games, including a recent triumph over No. 19 Vanderbilt.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament are leading the offensive charge for Tennessee, averaging 18.1 and 18.0 points, respectively. Gillespie also leads the team with 5.3 assists, while Ament tops the rebounding chart with 6.5 per game. The Volunteers are putting up 80.9 points per game and have a stout defense, allowing just 69.0 points.
Series History and Home Advantage
In their all-time meetings, Tennessee holds a slight advantage over Missouri with a 13-10 record. Interestingly, the road team has claimed victory in six of the last eight regular-season encounters. Mizzou's last home win against the Volunteers was back in 2018, and they aim to break a five-game home losing streak in the series.
Mizzou Arena has been a fortress for the Tigers over the past two years. Since the 2024-25 season, the Tigers boast a 32-4 home record, ranking third nationally in home wins. This season, they are 14-2 at home, including a 5-2 mark in SEC play.
Mark Mitchell: The All-Around Leader
Mark Mitchell is the heart and soul of this Tigers team, leading in points, rebounds, and assists. He aims to become only the second player in school history to lead in all three categories, a feat last achieved by Albert White in the 1998-99 season.
Mitchell's versatility shines through, as he's one of just nine players nationwide to amass 450 points, 140 rebounds, and 100 assists this season. His playmaking has been particularly noteworthy, doubling his previous career-high in assists and ranking fifth in the SEC with 4.6 assists per game. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.42 is tops in the league, and he's been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, especially from beyond the arc.
Emerging Stars
Trent Pierce has found his rhythm after an early-season injury, starting the last six games and averaging 14.3 points. His shooting has been stellar, hitting 56.7% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. Pierce has notched at least 20 points in two of the last four games.
Trent Burns, a redshirt freshman, is also making an impact with increased playing time. Over the last two games, he's contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, including a career-high seven boards against Vanderbilt.
As the Tigers prepare to face Tennessee, they look to leverage their home-court advantage and the all-around brilliance of Mark Mitchell to secure a pivotal win in their season.