An interesting SEC college basketball showdown is approaching, as the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (19-6) take on the struggling Missouri Tigers (8-17) who have yet to win in the conference. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook offers the Volunteers as heavy favorites, coming in with a point spread at -11.5 (-115).

When: February 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET

Where: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri

Watch: SECN

Tennessee Volunteers Preview

The Volunteers continue to be a dominant force in the SEC, as they are currently 9-3 within the conference. They are riding a two-game win streak as they enter this matchup, with their most recent success being an 88-53 thrashing over the Vanderbilt Commodores. Over their last four wins out of five games, they have accumulated at least 88 points or more per matchup.

Dalton Knecht should have another appealing performance, as he consistently led the Vols in scoring with 20.1 points per game. This puts him at 27th in the nation for his offensive output, which is impressive in one of the tougher conferences in the country.

The Vols average 80.4 points per game, placing them 41st nationally in scoring. They exhibit strong ball movement, tallying 17.4 assists per game to create scoring opportunities. Their offensive efficiency ranks 39th, boasting a rating of 114.0.

Defensively, they concede 67.2 points per game, ranking 58th. With 4.7 blocks and 8.0 steals per game, they pose a formidable challenge to opponents. Their defensive efficiency stands at 18th place, boasting a rating of 95.3.

Missouri Tigers Preview

The last time the Tigers won a game was December 30, 2023 when they defeated the Central Arkansas Bears 92-59. Since then, 12 losses have accumulated in a row for them. Their most recent defeat was a 79-76 outing against the Ole Miss Rebels, where they blew their 10-point lead.

Sean East II will have to be aggressive in his battle against Knecht. He currently leads the Tigers with 16.0 points and 4.2 assists, with 52.1 percent shooting from the field.

The Tigers average 72.2 points per game and currently hold the 234th national ranking. In terms of ball movement, they lag behind the Vols, managing only 12.8 assists per game. Their efficiency in creating scoring opportunities is ranked 200th, with a rating of 105.3.

On the defensive side, they allow 74.5 points per game, placing them at the 259th rank. Despite this, they excel in getting 5.0 blocks and 7.8 steals per game, indicating potential for crucial stops at the rim. However, their defensive efficiency is not impressive, with a rating of 108.7, ranking 309th.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook provides Tennessee sports bettors appealing college basketball opportunities. The Tennessee Volunteers are heavily favored with a 90.8 percent probability according to market insights.

Missouri Tigers: +520

Spread: +11.5 (-110)

Tennessee Volunteers: -901

Spread: -11.5 (-115)

Total Points: Over 147.0 (-110), Under 147.0 (-115)

Photo Credit: © Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports