Missouri (17-4) at Tennessee (18-4)
- When: Feb 5 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: SEC Network
Game Preview
Missouri Aims to Build on Statement Win
Missouri comes into this game riding high after delivering a historic road blowout against a ranked opponent. The No. 15 Tigers (17-4, 6-2 SEC) stunned Mississippi State 88-61 on Saturday, marking their biggest road victory over a ranked team in nearly 70 years.
A major reason for Missouri’s success has been Caleb Grill, who has been lights-out from deep, shooting 49.0% from beyond the arc—ranking second in the nation. Grill dropped 20 points and hit six three-pointers in the win over Mississippi State, marking his fifth 20+ point game of the season.
Coach Dennis Gates praised his team’s ball movement and execution, saying,
“That was the best basketball we can play. Everyone contributed, and the guys found open shots.”
Missouri’s high-powered offense is hitting stride, averaging 15 made threes per game in its last two contests. If the Tigers can stay hot from deep, they have a real chance to cover the spread.
Tennessee Looks to Stay Dominant at Home
The No. 4 Volunteers (18-4, 5-4 SEC) rebounded from a loss to Kentucky with a dominant 64-44 home win over Florida. Even without Zakai Zeigler (knee) and Igor Milicic Jr. (flu), Tennessee suffocated the Gators defensively, holding them to just 24.5% shooting and 14.8% from three.
Zeigler, who averages 12.3 points and 7.4 assists, has already said he expects to return for this game, which will be a big boost to Tennessee’s offense. Chaz Lanier (17.9 PPG, 79 three-pointers) leads the scoring charge, while Milicic (10.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG) is a force on the glass when healthy.
The Volunteers are an elite defensive team, ranking in the top 10 nationally in opponent field goal percentage. They’ll look to slow down Missouri’s red-hot shooting and control the rebounding battle, where they have a clear edge.
Betting Prediction
Tennessee is a 9.0-point favorite at home, where they’ve been nearly unstoppable. However, Missouri is playing its best basketball of the season and boasts one of the most efficient three-point offenses in the country.
The Tigers have won three of the last five meetings, including last year’s matchup. If Grill stays hot and Missouri continues its excellent ball movement, they could keep this game within single digits.
Prediction: Tennessee wins, but Missouri covers the +9 spread. The total (135.5) is a toss-up depending on Missouri’s shooting efficiency.
✅ Download here the Super Bowl LIX Party Sheet
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
