No. 8 Tennessee is out to extend Missouri’s 12-game losing streak.
Heading into the crucial stretch of the Southeastern Conference season, Tennessee, ranked eighth, has showcased exceptional offensive and defensive prowess. The Volunteers (19-6, 9-3 SEC) convincingly defeated Arkansas 92-63 and Vanderbilt 88-53 in their recent games. Their upcoming challenge is to replicate this success against the struggling Missouri (8-17, 0-12) on Tuesday in Knoxville, Tenn. Missouri has faced a tough streak, losing 12 consecutive games.
During the lopsided victories, Tennessee coach Rick Barnes strategically managed playing time, offering his starters rest in preparation for “March Madness” while affording younger players valuable experience. Guard Dalton Knecht, the leading scorer with 20.1 points per game, contributed 14 points in 22 minutes against Vanderbilt, while Zakai Zeigler, averaging 11.0 points per game, added 14 points in 24 minutes. Barnes expressed hope that the increased playing time would benefit these players despite the quick turnaround for Tuesday’s game.
Barnes emphasized his preference for team rhythm but acknowledged the need to balance it with player fatigue. Against Vanderbilt, 11 Volunteers received double-digit minutes, with no player exceeding 25 minutes.
As for Missouri, facing losses and dealing with injuries, Coach Dennis Gates searches for positives. Freshman center Jordan Butler and sophomore forward Aidan Shaw displayed strong performances in the recent game against Mississippi, a 79-76 defeat. Butler and Shaw’s contributions are seen as crucial for Missouri’s future success as they strive to rebound from a challenging season.
Despite the team’s struggles, Gates highlighted the growth and impact of players like Jordan Butler, who influenced the game by forcing Ole Miss to adjust its game plan. Aidan Shaw’s performance also earned praise, with both players making essential contributions that kept Missouri competitive in the game.
Sean East II, Missouri’s leading scorer at 16.0 points per game, made a noteworthy return, scoring a season-high 25 points against Ole Miss after missing the previous two games due to a knee contusion.
