Opinion
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Tennessee Volunteers Set to Challenge Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena

As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare to face off against the Missouri Tigers, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Volunteers have been on a commendable run, and their upcoming visit to Mizzou Arena is expected to add another exciting chapter to their season.


Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA;  Tennessee Volunteers forward Uros Plavsic (33) drives the baseline as Missouri Tigers guard Kobe Brown (24) defends during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

In their recent game on December 21st, the Volunteers showcased a robust defense at Thompson-Boling Arena, holding Tarleton State Texans to just 46 points. With an impressive six blocks and limiting the Texans' field goal percentage to 30 percent, it's clear that Tennessee's defensive prowess will be pivotal against Missouri. Moreover, they managed an assist-turnover ratio of 1.63 and capitalized on turnovers with 15 points off them – signs of a team that knows how to turn defense into offense effectively.


The offensive side also looks promising for the Volunteers; in their December 17th game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Frost Bank Center, they scored an impressive 79 points. Their three-point shooting was particularly noteworthy at a solid 44 percent accuracy rate. This kind of sharpshooting will undoubtedly put pressure on the Tigers' perimeter defense.


Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) works against Missouri Tigers guard D'Moi Hodge (5) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge that Missouri will not make it easy for Tennessee. The Tigers will have home-court advantage and are sure to come prepared with strategies aimed at disrupting Volunteer’s gameplay.


The key battle might well be in controlling the paint – an area where Tennessee excelled against Georgia Southern Eagles by scoring 40 points inside and dominating rebounds with a total count of 49 compared to Eagles' 39 on December 13th.


Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA;  Missouri Tigers guard Kobe Brown (24) backs down Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead, fans should expect TENN's players like Santiago Vescovi or Josiah-Jordan James (if available) who have been instrumental this season in both scoring and facilitating plays for others -to step up once again as they take on MIZZ’s formidable lineup led by Kobe Brown or D'Moi Hodge (if available).


With all eyes set towards February 21st showdown in Columbia at precisely midnight Eastern Time (ET), Volunteer supporters should mark their calendars for what could potentially be one of the most strategic games this season. For those unable or unwilling brave enough venture into enemy territory can catch all action live SEC Network channel number is exactly six hundred eleven.

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