Tennessee Faces Mississippi State: Hoops Showdown
The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi. This game, part of the 2025-26 basketball season, will take place at Humphrey Coliseum on Wednesday, with a scheduled tip-off at 9:00 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on ESPN2 or stream it via the ESPN App.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Series History
Tennessee has a storied rivalry with Mississippi State, boasting 91 victories against them. This makes Mississippi State the third-most defeated opponent for Tennessee, following Vanderbilt and Georgia. In recent encounters, Tennessee has fared well, going 16-5 over the last 21 meetings since January 19, 2013.
Recent Matchups
- The last season’s encounter on January 21, 2025, featured a notable win for Tennessee, who led throughout to secure a 68-56 victory.
- This was the first time in series history that both teams were ranked.
- Tennessee is currently on a five-game winning streak against Mississippi State.
Key Players to Watch
For Tennessee, Nate Ament has emerged as a standout player. He has scored over 17 points in each of the last eight games, averaging 23.0 points per game during this stretch. His performance includes multiple outings exceeding 28 points.
Meanwhile, Mississippi State’s junior guard, Josh Hubbard, is known for his scoring ability, averaging 20.6 points per game.
Team Insights
- Tennessee ranks first in total victories among SEC teams over the past nine seasons, with 217 wins.
- The Volunteers also hold a strong overall winning percentage of 72.8% during that span.
- They have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons.
Coaching and Strategy
Head coach Rick Barnes has excelled with a record of 25-8 against Mississippi teams. His success extends to an impressive 852 career wins, placing him among the top active coaches in Division I basketball.
As Tennessee approaches this key matchup, they aim to continue their strong performance against Mississippi State, capitalizing on their rich basketball tradition and recent form in the season.
