Tennessee vs. Missouri: Preview, How to Watch and Gamethread

Former Tennessee head coach Cuonzo Martin returns to Thompson-Boling Arena tonight with his Missouri Tigers, who are just 2-6 over their last eight games. The Tigers broke a three game losing streak against Vanderbilt over the weekend, beating the Commodores 77-67. It was just their second win since facing Tennessee the first time, a game which saw the Tigers start hot, but fall apart late.

Missouri led the Vols 27-18 at the 12 minute mark of the first half. However, as we’ve seen this team do time and time again, Tennessee woke up and quickly buried the Tigers. Tennessee went on to win the game by 24 points.

The oddsmakers out in Vegas see a similar result unfolding tonight in Knoxville. Tennessee opened as 17 point favorites over Missouri. That number has since increased to 18.

Missouri Key Players

G Jordan Geist

13.9 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, 36 percent three-point shooter.

Geist started hot against Tennessee earlier in the year, pushing Missouri to their early lead. However, he finished ice cold, ending up shooting just 3-10 from the field.

G Mark Smith

12.6 points per game, 47 percent three-point shooter.

Smith has missed the past three games due to injury, but could return to the lineup tonight.

F Jeremiah Tilmon

Averaging 11 points and six rebounds per contest and shooting 57 percent from the field.

Tilmon has scored 15 points or more in three straight games. Tennessee got him in early foul trouble in the first matchup, limiting him to just nine minutes and three points.

Gameday Information

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Tip-off time: 9 p.m. eastern

TV Channel: ESPN2

Radio: Vol Network

Streaming: WatchESPN

Odds: Tennessee -18