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Tennessee basketball is playing the final game of five straight against ranked teams when it hosts Missouri.
The No. 4 Vols (18-4, 5-4 SEC) host the No. 16 Tigers (17-4, 6-2) on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET, SEC Network)
Here is what to know about the matchup:
Zakai Zeigler, Igor Milicic Jr. update for Tennessee vs Missouri
Zakai Zeigler and Igor Milicic Jr. practiced Tuesday before the Vols face the Tigers. The senior pair did not play against Florida on Saturday as Tennessee was down to seven available scholarship players.
Zeigler was out with a right knee injury. Milicic was dealing with flu-like symptoms.
Both practiced in “somewhat limited amounts” Monday, Vols assistant coach Gregg Polinsky said.
Zeigler is averaging 12.3 points and a team-best 7.4 assists. Milicic is averaging 10.4 points and a team-leading 8.1 rebounds.
Missouri is probably nation’s most improved team
Missouri had a great first season under Dennis Gates in 2022-23, then slumped and went winless in SEC play last season. The Tigers are back up now.
“They are playing great basketball,” Polinsky said. “I think in the month of January, they have been the top offensive team in the country. Their defense has always been really good. Chaotic in an organized fashion. They are a very difficult matchup.”
The Tigers excel at getting to the free-throw line. They have attempted 572 free throws, which ranks second in the SEC. They also pressure opponents well and rank first with 10.1 steals per game.
Missouri ranks fourth in the SEC in adjusted offensive efficiency. Tennessee has played all of the top-four offenses in the SEC in the past four games. Auburn is No. 1, Kentucky is No. 2 and Florida is No. 3.
Tennessee’s Bishop Boswell rose to the moment against Florida
Bishop Boswell played his most prominent role yet for Tennessee against Florida with the Vols undermanned. The freshman guard stepped in and played 11 minutes against the Gators.
“Bishop had such a great week of practice,” guard Jahmai Mashack said Saturday. “He has…
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Author : Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Publish date : 2025-02-04 22:15:00
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