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 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 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 fifth in the SEC in adjusted offensive efficiency. Tennessee has played four of the top-5 offenses in the SEC in the past four games. Auburn is No. 1, Kentucky is No. 2 and Florida is No. 4.
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 really matured really fast, which is a testament to how he has been growing up and thrown into situations that maybe some guys weren’t ready for.”
Boswell had three assists and one turnover. He had two rebounds and a steal.
Tennessee is dealing with a handful of injuries.
Tennessee vs. Missouri airs on SEC Network at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Tennessee 74, Missouri 67: The Vols close the big-time stretch against ranked teams with a back-to-back wins.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
