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  • Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee at Vanderbilt


    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is headed to the midstate for a bout with Vanderbilt Saturday afternoon at Memorial Gymnasium. Tipoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET.

     
    Fans can catch Saturday’s game between the Volunteers (16-1, 3-1 SEC) and Commodores (14-3, 2-2 SEC) on SEC Network. Roy Philpott (play-by-play) and Dane Bradshaw (analyst) will have the call. Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.

    In its most recent action, Tennessee turned a one-point halftime deficit into an 18-point victory, 74-56, Wednesday night against No. 23 Georgia. In the first-ever AP top-25 matchup between the two long-time conference foes, UT dominated the second half to remain undefeated this season at Food City Center. In a contest during which he broke the program’s career steals record, Zakai Zeigler had 16 points, a game-leading seven assists and a career-best six steals, while fellow senior guard Jordan Gainey scored a game-high 19 points.


    THE MATCHUP

    • UT’s 131 wins over Vanderbilt are its most versus any foe. Georgia (100) is the only other school it has defeated triple-digit times.

    • The Volunteers are 13-1 in their last 14 contests against Vanderbilt, since 1/9/18. The lone defeat was a one-point road setback, 66-65, on a buzzer-beater on 2/8/23.

    • This is the 13th time in the last 15 series meetings, also dating to 1/9/18, Tennessee is ranked and Vanderbilt is not. It is the eighth time in that stretch, including the fifth in a row, UT is in the top 10.

    • Ranked UT teams are 23-8 all- time against unranked Vanderbilt squads, including 15-2—both losses are by one—since 2/3/01.

    • Mark Byington is the fourth Vanderbilt coach Rick Barnes will face in his 10-year UT tenure. Barnes went 9-1 against Jerry Stackhouse (2019-24), 5-1 versus Bryce Drew (2016-19) and 1-2 against Kevin Stallings (2015-16).

    • After going 9-23 (4-14) in 2023- 24, the Commodores were tabbed No. 16 in the SEC preseason poll.

    • Junior guard Jason Edwards paces Vanderbilt with 17.0 ppg.

    NEWS & NOTES

    • Tennessee is 34-6 (.850) against in-state teams under Rick Barnes, including 17-1 (.944) in its last 18 such games.

    • Zakai Zeigler logged a career- high six steals in the 74-56 win over #23 Georgia (1/15/25), upping his career total to 215 and breaking the prior program record of 212 by Santiago Vescovi (2019-24). Zeigler also became the second player in the last 20 seasons (2005-25) with 1,000 points, 600 assists and 200 steals in the SEC, joining Texas A&M’s Alex Caruso (2012-16). In addition, he now has 1,258 points, 12 shy of a top-30 spot all-time at UT.

    • Jahmai Mashack shot 5-of-5 against Georgia, the fifth UT guard in the last 20 years with that line.

    • Igor Miličić Jr., whose next start will be his 100th as a collegian, is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.

    • The Vols’ Chaz Lanier, the third- leading scorer in the SEC (18.2), is a Nashville native. The only hometown school he has faced is Lipscomb, against which he went 3-3 while at North Florida, including 2-2 on the road. In his last two matchups with the Bisons, he averaged 19.0 ppg and 3.5 rpg, with a 6-of-11 3-point clip.

    • Tennessee is looking to start at least 4-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.

    • UT’s DI-best 24.9 3P% defense is 2.0 percent better than second- place Cincinnati (26.9). That is larger than the gap from No. 2 to No. 23 Nicholls State (28.7).

    • Tennessee (16-1), Auburn (16-1) and Iowa State (15-1) are the only three DI teams without two losses. UT, Auburn and Utah State (16-2) are the lone three with 16 wins.

    • The Volunteers’ 187 victories over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank seventh nationally. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (221), Kansas (203), Duke (200), Purdue (196) and San Diego State (188) possess more.

    WINNING WAYS

    • Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (187), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.736). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).

    • In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.738) and Kentucky (.706).

    • In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (89-40; .690) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (90-39; .698), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (85-45; .654) and Alabama (81-49; .623) are at even 75-plus wins.

    • Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 95-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn [92- 28]) in the SEC over that span.

    • In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (42-16; .724) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.

    RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES

    • TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, tied with Connecticut for third nationally. It is behind just Kansas (24) and Iowa State (24). Only Purdue (21) is even within two of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is three behind (Alabama with 20).

    • TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Iowa State (18) and Purdue (18). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).

    • TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Iowa State (15) is even within one of Tennessee, while the closest SEC team is two back (Alabama with 14).

    • TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Iowa State (12), Connecticut (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).

    • TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.

    …AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY

    • Tennessee, at 23-15 (.605), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (14-10 .583) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .540.

    • The Vols are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span. Auburn (12-8; .600) ranks second in the SEC, with Kentucky (13-12; .520) the only other team is even at a .500 clip.

    • UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC team in winning percentage is Auburn (9-6; .600), with just Kentucky (13-9; .591) also above a .500 mark.

    • At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.

    • Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning receord versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.

    • The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (38) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trail just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (39) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.

    POLL PRESENCE

    • Tennessee has played 220 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 167-53 (.759) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 320 games since Barnes arrived in 2015-16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (220 of 254, 86.6 percent).

    • UT is 146-48 (.753) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 115-35 (.767) while top-15, 89-26 (.774) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.

    • The Vols are 31-23 (.574) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.

    DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK

    • Tennessee, through 1/15/25, ranks fourth in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.8), just shy of Houston (87.0), Duke (87.5) and Kansas (87.8).

    • The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).

    • In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).

    • In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.

    • UT, through 1/16/25, has won 43 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, dating to 3/11/22, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.

    • The Vols, through 1/16/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.

    HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY

    • Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.

    • The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.

    • UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.

    • The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.

    • Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.

    • Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.

    • Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.

    POLL VOLS

    • Tennessee has been in every AP Poll since the 2021- 22 preseason rankings, 70 releases in a row, vastly surpassing the prior program record of 38 (March 1999 to Feb. 2001.) The Volunteers have been top-10 in 40 of those 70, including top-five 19 times.

    • UT’s 70-week streak is the third-longest in the country, behind only Houston (96) and Kansas (75). No other team is at even 55-plus, while the closest in the SEC, Kentucky (32), is 38 weeks behind.

    • Dating to the 2020-21 preseason poll, UT has made 84 of 87 releases (not the final three of 2020-21), with 46 top-10 spots and still 19 in the top five.

    • Since 11/28/22, Tennessee has earned an AP top-15 ranking in 44 of the 47 releases.

    • UT reached No. 1 this season, fourth last year, second in 2022-23, fifth in 2021-22 and sixth in 2020-21.

    • The Vols, who hit No. 1 in 2018-19, have been in the AP top six in six of the past seven years (2018-25). It hit that mark an equal six times in program history before Rick Barnes‘ tenure (2007-08, 2000-01, 1999-2000, 1969-70, 1967-68 and 1958-59).

    • UT has been in the AP top five in five of the last seven seasons (2018-25). It achieved that feat an equal five times before Barnes’ arrival (each of the above six seasons except for 1969-70).

    • The 2024-25 campaign is the eighth in a row UT has earned an AP top-20 spot. The prior program record was seven straight years (1966-67 to 1972-73).

    • UT’s 15-week AP top-10 streak (12/18/23 to 4/9/24) to close 2023-24 was the second-longest in program history. Three of the Vols’ five all-time double-digit streaks have come since 2018-19 under Rick Barnes.

    • The Vols’ six-week AP top-three streak this season (12/2/24 to 1/6/25) was its second-best such streak ever and tied its second-longest AP top-five streak.



    Join us tonight at Hoops Central as the #6 Tennessee Volunteers take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in an exciting SEC showdown!

    The Volunteers are looking to maintain their spot near the top of the conference standings, while the Commodores are hoping to pull off an upset and improve their own standing.

    With both teams hungry for a win, this game is sure to be a nail-biter. So grab your friends and come cheer on your favorite team at Hoops Central! #GoVols #AnchorDown

    Tags:

    • Tennessee vs Vanderbilt
    • SEC basketball
    • College basketball rivalry
    • Tennessee Volunteers
    • Vanderbilt Commodores
    • SEC hoops
    • Tennessee basketball
    • Vanderbilt basketball
    • NCAA basketball showdown
    • Tennessee vs Vanderbilt preview

    #Hoops #Central #Tennessee #Vanderbilt

  • FSU men’s hoops vs. Georgia Tech: Preview, game thread


    Florida State men’s basketball (12-5, 3-3) takes on Georgia Tech (8-10, 2-5) this afternoon, looking to close their homestand 2-0, before heading west for road matchups in California. The Seminoles defeated Pitt on Wednesday in a physical, emotional affair and want to carry that same intensity into today’s game.

    How to watch:

    The Seminoles tip-off is at noon ET from the Tucker Center and can be found on ESPNU.

    Notes to know:
    – After defeating the Panthers, FSU picked up its first Quad 1 win of the season, pushing its NET rating to 64 as it sits on the very far outside of the bubble, but not a popped one. Unfortunately, with the ACC being the worst power conference in CBB this season, the next chance for a Quad 1 win is at the end of February on the road against Louisville. The media picked Georgia Tech to finish 12th in the ACC, and so far, they were correct. GT sits at 155th in the NET, making Saturday a Quad 3 chance.

    – The Yellow Jackets finished 14-18 in the 23-24 season, but head coach Damon Stoudamire ended the year with impressive wins and seemed to be pushing the program in the right direction. However, Stoudamire could not capitalize on the momentum, and GT started the year on the wrong foot with a brutal home loss to UNF and could not get the train back on track. They are under .500 and are on a three-game losing streak at the hands of Syracuse, SMU, and Clemson. A big reason for their lack of success comes from their unlucky run of injuries. GT played without three starters against the Tigers during the week: Lance Terry, Kowacie Reeves Jr., and Luke O’Brien, while only two players have appeared in all 18 games.

    – Georgia Tech does not do a lot well offensively, and they are certainly not good from long-range, which is a welcome sight for the Seminoles. GT shoots 34% from three, good for 139th in the country, and makes 7.7, ranking 165th. If the Yellow Jackets do one thing well, they play as a unit. They are 53rd in the NCAA in assists per game with 15.7.

    Players to know:

    – G Lance Terry: Terry did not suit up against Clemson for the first time this year with what Georgia Tech reported as a hand injury. His status is up in the air for Saturday, leading to a massive swing on the game, depending on which direction it goes. He scored double figures in five straight games until his injury, including a 20-point performance against Notre Dame, and he leads GT in scoring with 15.4 points per game.

    – G Naithan George: George, one of two players to participate in all 18 games for Georgia Tech, leads his team in assists with 6.3 while chipping in 10.4 points per game. The 6’3’’ sophomore ranks first in minutes, played with 32.3, and plays a physical brand of basketball with 3.7 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game.

    – F Baye Ndongo: Ndongo, the other player to suit up for all 18 games, averages 12 points a night while leading his team in rebounds with 7.2 per game. The sophomore Sengalian dropped a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double against Clemson Tuesday while playing 38 minutes.



    FSU men’s hoops vs. Georgia Tech: Preview, game thread

    The Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team is set to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams are coming off strong performances and will be looking to continue their winning ways.

    FSU is currently on a three-game winning streak and sits at the top of the ACC standings. Led by standout players such as Scottie Barnes and MJ Walker, the Seminoles have shown their ability to compete with some of the best teams in the country.

    On the other hand, Georgia Tech has had a solid season so far, with wins over top-ranked opponents like North Carolina and Virginia. The Yellow Jackets are a tough and physical team that will pose a challenge for FSU.

    This game is sure to be a close and intense battle, with both teams fighting for a crucial win in conference play. Join us in the game thread as we discuss all the action and cheer on our Seminoles to victory! #GoNoles

    Game Info:
    FSU vs. Georgia Tech
    Date: [insert date]
    Time: [insert time]
    TV: [insert channel]
    Location: [insert location]

    Tags:

    1. FSU men’s basketball
    2. Georgia Tech basketball
    3. Preview
    4. Game thread
    5. ACC basketball
    6. College basketball
    7. Florida State University
    8. Georgia Institute of Technology
    9. Matchup analysis
    10. Player statistics

    #FSU #mens #hoops #Georgia #Tech #Preview #game #thread

  • Miami Heat: Haywood Highsmith became trade-eligible on Jan. 15 – Hot Hot Hoops


    Haywood Highsmith
    Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith was one of 18 players leaguewide who became trade-eligible on Wednesday.  (Mandatory Credit: Nick Wass/AP Photo)

    No, Jimmy Butler has not been traded yet, as we are roughly three weeks out from the Feb. 6 deadline. One Heat player who signed last offseason became eligible to be moved Wednesday: Forward Haywood Highsmith.

    As you may recall, two Heat players became eligible to be moved on Dec. 15–as well as over 80 other players–in veterans Kevin Love and Alec Burks.

    Thomas Bryant was another who became eligible on that date. However, Bryant was traded on Dec. 13 to the Indiana Pacers, which couldn’t be finalized until Dec. 15.

    A total of 18 players became trade-eligible Wednesday by fitting into this criteria:

    • If the player re-signed with previous team




    • If the player earned a raise of at least 20 percent without signing a minimum




    • If the player’s team used Bird or Early Bird Rights to re-sign said player

    Highsmith, 28, received a 98 percent increase on his $1.9 million salary that he had in 2023-24, signing a two-year, $10.8 million deal in July.

    You could argue that Highsmith’s production and value have made him a bargain through 38 games. The 6-foot-7 wing is averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 25.6 minutes, shooting 48.7 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from 3-point range on 3.3 triple tries per game.

    He consistently picks up the toughest assignments defensively while being one of the team’s most efficient 3-point shooters with serious cutting value along the baseline. There have been instances where his defense hasn’t met expectations, but he’s still provided ample value at the point-of-attack relative to the rest of the team.

    This doesn’t mean that he will be traded at the deadline. But if any deal hypothetically involving Highsmith from this point forward is now on the table. Though we know the majority of everyone’s eyes will be pointed on Jimmy Butler, who returns from suspension Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

    ***

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    The Miami Heat recently gained another asset with the trade eligibility of Haywood Highsmith on Jan. 15. Highsmith, a versatile forward, adds depth to the Heat roster and provides another option for the team as they navigate through the season.

    Highsmith, who was acquired by the Heat in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, brings a unique skill set to the team. With his ability to play multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor, Highsmith is sure to make an impact for the Heat as they continue their quest for a playoff spot.

    Fans can expect to see Highsmith get more opportunities to showcase his talents as the season progresses. His addition adds another layer of depth to the Heat’s roster and gives them more flexibility in their lineup rotations.

    Stay tuned to Hot Hot Hoops for all the latest updates on Haywood Highsmith and the Miami Heat as they continue to push for success in the NBA.

    Tags:

    Miami Heat, Haywood Highsmith, trade-eligible, January 15, Hot Hot Hoops, basketball, NBA, Miami sports, Heat Nation, player news

    #Miami #Heat #Haywood #Highsmith #tradeeligible #Jan #Hot #Hot #Hoops

  • Thursday Night Hoops As Maryland Heads To Northwestern


    Maryland (13-4, 3-3 B1G) at Northwestern (10-6, 1-4 B1G)

    January 16, 2025

    9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT)

    Welsh-Ryan Arena

    COLLEGE PARK, MD — After winning back-to-back home games, Maryland heads back to the road to face Northwestern on Thursday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena on BTN (9 PM ET). Fans can listen to the game on the Maryland Sports Radio Network with Voice of the Terps Johnny Holliday calling the action alongside Chris Knoche.
     

    Maryland gutted out a 77-71 win over Minnesota to even their Big Ten record to 3-3 on Monday night. Derik Queen scored a career-high 27 points, with 18 coming in the second half, while Rodney Rice added 21 points for his second 20-point game of the season.

    The Terps are ranked No. 23 in the NCAA NET, No. 24 in the Kenpom ratings, No. 18 in the Torvik ranking, No. 23 on EvanMiya.com, and No. 21 on the ESPN Basketball Power Index.

    Maryland has been explosive offensively averaging 84.6 points this year which ranks as the eighth-best average in program history and ranks No. 17 nationally this season. Defensively, the Terps are giving up just 63.8 points per game which is 20th nationally.

     

    Big Notes: Finding The Road Dub

    • Maryland is looking for it’s first true road win of the season, however, two of it’s three road losses have come at Top-10 opponents (Purdue, Oregon). On neutral courts, Maryland is 2-0 with wins over Villanova and Syracuse.

    • Last year, Maryland was 4-8 in road games.

    • The last time Maryland won at Northwestern was on Jan. 12, 2022 – a double-overtime 94-87 victory for the Terps. Eric Ayala posted a career-high 26 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, while Fatts Russell scored 21 of his season-high 23 points in the second half and two overtime periods.

    Team Pic

    Maryland is averaging 84.6 points per game which is the eighth-best mark in program history.

    Ja’Kobi Showing The Range

    • Since joining the Terps, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has scored in double figures in 13 of his 17 games played. 

    • Against No. 22 UCLA, Gillespie set a season-high with 27 points going 4-of-8 from deep and 9-of-9 from the charity stripe. He also had four assists and a season-high four steals in the win.

    • Against No. 15 Marquette, Gillespie had 24 points going 10-of-17 from the floor and 4-of-9 from three-point range. That total was just two shy of matching his career-high of 26 points scored against Southern Illinois (2/14/24) when he was at Belmont.

    • Gillespie also leads the team with 73 total assists (4.3 per game) giving him 285 for his career. He set a new career-high with 11 in the win over Syracuse as part of his first career double-double (17 pts). The 11 assists were the most by a Maryland player in a game since Melo Trimble had 12 against North Carolina (12/2/15).

    • His 4.3 assists per game are tied for 8th in the B1G.

    • Gillespie now has 973 career points between Belmont and Maryland through 74 total career games played.

    • A highly-touted football prospect while in high school, Gillespie received offers from ACC and SEC programs on the gridiron. As a wide receiver, defensive back, and special teams returner, he pulled off a touchdown trifecta with a receiving touchdown, a pick-six, and a punt return in a single-game.

    Ja'Kobi Gillespie

    Juju Beast

    • Julian Reese entered the 2024-25 campaign as one of the top post players in the Big Ten and nationally. Last season, he earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors as a junior after being named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team and to the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award Watch List.

    • Reese posted 15 double doubles last season which were the ninth most nationally and stood second in the Big Ten during the regular season.

    • All-time, Reese has the eighth-most double-doubles for any Terp (29).

    • Reese is one of nine players in program history to post over 1,100 career points and 800 career rebounds.

    • Despite having a talented group of high-scoring guards and the addition of Derik Queen to the front court, Julian Reese has nearly matched his career-high totals from last season. Even more impressive is that Reese has been hitting these marks playing 7.3 fewer minutes per game than last year.

    • Additionally, his 3.3 offensive rebounds per game leads the Big Ten and are the most for a Maryland player since James Padgett averaged 3.3 in 2011-12

    Julian Reese at Rutgers

     

    Queen Is The Truth

    • Derik Queen arrived in College Park as one of the most heralded recruits in program history and has lived up to the hype early in the season. From starting his career with a 20/20 double-double to scoring a career-high 26 points at No. 8 Purdue, Queen has quickly shown he is one of the best players in the country.

    • Queen leads Maryland in scoring at 16.2 points per game and is second with 7.8 rebounds per game. His scoring average is tied as the second-best among all-time Maryland freshmen dating back to 1947-48.

    • Since 2008-09, there have been 34 20-point games by Maryland freshmen. In just his first 17 games, Queen already has six.

    • Since 1996-96, Derik Queen’s career-high 26-point performance at No. 8 Purdue marked the most points scored by a Maryland freshman in a true road game since Terrell Stoglin and Justin Jackson each scored 28 points in 2011 and 2017, respectively.

    • Queen is part of an exceptional class of 2024-25 freshmen. He is now 10th for overall rookie scoring and is the top center among all NCAA freshmen. Queen is one of six freshmen nationally to score 20 points or more in six games this season.

    Derik Queen



    Get ready for some intense Thursday night hoops as the Maryland Terrapins face off against the Northwestern Wildcats in a crucial Big Ten matchup.

    Maryland currently sits atop the Big Ten standings, but Northwestern is not far behind. Both teams will be looking to secure a key conference win as they jockey for position in the standings.

    The Terrapins boast a talented roster led by standout guard Eric Ayala and forward Donta Scott. They have been playing well as of late and will be looking to continue their winning streak against Northwestern.

    On the other side, the Wildcats have been playing solid basketball and will be looking to pull off an upset at home. Guard Boo Buie and forward Pete Nance will be key players to watch as they look to lead Northwestern to victory.

    So grab your popcorn and tune in for what is sure to be an exciting Thursday night showdown between Maryland and Northwestern. Tip-off is at 7:00 PM EST, so don’t miss out on the action!

    Tags:

    1. Thursday Night Hoops
    2. Maryland vs Northwestern
    3. College Basketball
    4. Big Ten Conference
    5. Game Preview
    6. Maryland Terrapins
    7. Northwestern Wildcats
    8. Basketball Matchup
    9. NCAA Basketball
    10. Maryland Basketball

    #Thursday #Night #Hoops #Maryland #Heads #Northwestern

  • Nebraska Hoops Game Day: Rutgers


    Dylan HarperGFr.6-6/215A projected 2025 NBA lottery pick who is averaging 20.0 points on 50 percent shooting while leading the team with 4.4 assists per game.
    Tyson AcuffGSr.6-4/210Rutgers’ only non-freshman in the starting lineup, he averages
    4.5 points, 1.5 0.8 apg
    Ace BaileyG/FFr.6-10/200Another projected 2025 lottery pick who is averaging 19.0 ppg and leads Rutgers in rebounding (7.7 rpg) and blocks (1.3 bpg).
    Dylan GrantFFr.6-7/205A freshman expected to make just his second start of the season tonight. He’s averaging just 3.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, and 0.5 apg.
    Lathan SommervilleCFr.6-10/275He’s scoring 7.2 points on 53.8 percent shooting from the field this season. He also averages 4.4 rebounds per game.

    3 keys to victory

    Handle the star power

    Pinnacle Bank Arena should be loaded with NBA scouts and front-office personnel tonight. Unfortunately, they’ll mostly be in Lincoln to watch the other team. Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are two of the projected top-five picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite their youth, that’s as high-profile of an opposing duo as the Huskers have seen this season. Averaging 39 points per game, slowing down Harper and Bailey will be no easy task. However, Nebraska cannot allow those two to take the game over tonight. Harper recently returned to the lineup after missing time to an injury, and he immediately helped the Knights get back on track with a win over UCLA. While the national spotlight will be on those two, the Huskers can’t allow them to steal the show.

    Lock in on defense

    Nebraska must be ready to defend from the opening tip and maintain it until the final buzzer. Harper and Bailey are obviously two reasons why, but that importance goes beyond NU’s opponent. For the Huskers to achieve any of their lofty goals this season, they need to be one of the best defensive teams in the Big Ten. They’ve been anything but over their last 65 minutes or so of play. Sam Hoiberg said the team had to find better energy on that end, especially when it didn’t have a home crowd behind them. Nebraska must lock in and play up to its defensive potential on every possession, regardless of what happens on the offensive end. When that happens, NU can compete with and beat any team on its schedule, especially at home.

    As always, value the ball

    Nebraska had a lengthy list of issues in its 104-68 loss at Purdue on Sunday. An all-too-familiar problem was, once again, poor ball security. The Huskers committed 17 turnovers in the defeat, leading to a 22-11 advantage in points off of giveaways. Fred Hoiberg’s message, as always, has been NU playing under better control and “making the simple plays” with the ball. That means not over-penetrating the ball and “playing in a crowd” in the paint, which happened far too often at Iowa and Purdue. The Knights won’t challenge much in terms of on-ball pressure, but they also won’t turn it over much, either. Focusing on hitting singles and not only home runs will be critical for Nebraska tonight.

    Quotable

    “I think sometimes you know there’s such an overreaction when something happened like it did the other day at Purdue. You know, what do you do with the system? Do you start over? Or what you’re doing, do better, do it longer, do it harder. Those are the things that we’re really trying to focus on right now, because we’ve had a formula. You look at where we are, I think we’re like 20th in the nation defensively, but in league games we’re 17th out of 18 teams. So we’ve got to just get back to being who we are and doing it with more consistency and having longer stretches where we do it right. If we do that, we’ve shown we’ve got a formula that’s pretty good.”

    Head coach Fred Hoiberg on what Nebraska must do to get back on track defensively.

    Prediction

    Nebraska (-8.5) 78, Rutgers 68

    Robin’s season record: 14-1

    Vs. the spread: 8-7

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    Hey Husker fans, it’s game day! Tonight, our Nebraska basketball team is taking on Rutgers in what is sure to be an exciting matchup.

    The Huskers have been showing some great potential this season, with standout performances from players like Trey McGowens and Alonzo Verge Jr. We’re looking forward to seeing them hit the court and give it their all against the Scarlet Knights.

    Rutgers is always a tough opponent, but we know our Huskers have what it takes to come out on top. So grab your gear, head to the arena or tune in from home, and let’s cheer on our team to victory!

    Go Big Red! #NebraskaHoops #GameDay #Rutgers

    Tags:

    Nebraska basketball game, Nebraska vs Rutgers, NCAA basketball game, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, college basketball game, Nebraska basketball team, Big Ten basketball, Nebraska game day, Nebraska sports, basketball matchup, Nebraska vs Rutgers preview.

    #Nebraska #Hoops #Game #Day #Rutgers

  • HBCU holds its own against No. 1 hoops team in the nation

    HBCU holds its own against No. 1 hoops team in the nation


    Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletics

    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Norfolk State men’s basketball team held its own for 40 minutes against the top-ranked team in the nation on Tuesday afternoon, as the HBCU fell 67-52 to the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers at the Food City Center.

    Christian Ings led the Spartans (9-7) with 19 points and four assists, while Brian Moore Jr. added 18 points and five rebounds.  Fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier paced the Tennessee Volunteers (13-0) with 24 points, including six 3-pointers.

    Tennessee scored the game’s first five points, but a pair of jumpers from Moore and Jalen Myers helped the Spartans stay within reach. The Volunteers began to gain separation with multiple successful 3-point attempts, but Kuluel Mading responded with back-to-back baskets in the paint.

    Moore scored on consecutive possessions to trim Tennessee’s advantage to 18-12. The Volunteers moved the gap to double digits soon after, as Lanier started to heat up.

    Straying away from his typical mid-range dominance, Moore helped the Spartans stay afloat with a timely 3-pointer on a fast break opportunity. Ings converted with touch through contact a couple of minutes later, knocking down the ensuing free throw.

    Waiting for the clock to wind down for a last-second opportunity, Ings got a floater off the glass to fall at the buzzer, sending Norfolk State into halftime trailing 35-28.

    Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler knocked down a 3-pointer to get the home team started in the second half, but Ings and Jaylani Darden got the Spartans back within single digits with a pair of inside field goals.

    The Volunteers boosted the gap back to double digits, holding that cushion over the HBCU hoops team for the rest of the afternoon. Norfolk State refused to fall out of the game, keeping things interesting by attacking the rim offensively while remaining staunch on the defensive end.

    A pair of dunks by Tennessee’s Cade Phillips and Jordan Gainey gave the Volunteers a 60-44 lead with 5:18 to play. UT earned its largest advantage of the game – a 20-point cushion – after a 3-pointer from Lanier in the final three minutes.

    The HBCU hoops squad continued to battle to the final whistle. Moore made two jumpers in the final minute of regulation, but the Spartans could not pull back within single digits of the heavyweight Volunteers.

    HBCU Tennessee Volunteers Norfolk State

    Checking The Box Score

    • Christian Ings led Norfolk State with 19 points and four assists
    • Brian Moore Jr. added 18 points and five rebounds
    • Fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier paced Tennessee with 24 points, including six 3-pointers
    • Norfolk State outscored Tennessee 28-26 in the paint
    • NSU made just 2-of-13 attempts from behind the arc – its second-worst game of the season from deep, ahead of just a loss to William & Mary (1-of-14)
    • Norfolk State outrebounded Tennessee 33-31
    • Tennessee never trailed on Tuesday

    News & Notes

    • Tuesday marked the second-ever meeting between the Tennessee and Norfolk State men’s basketball programs
    • Norfolk State dropped to 9-7 with the loss
    • Tennessee improved to 13-0 with the loss
    • The Volunteers own the No. 1 ranking in both the AP and Coaches Top 25 polls

    UP NEXT

    Norfolk State opens conference play at home on Saturday, Jan. 4, facing Maryland Eastern Shore in Echols Hall at 4 p.m.



    Last night, history was made as the underdog HBCU team faced off against the No. 1 ranked basketball team in the nation. Despite the odds stacked against them, the HBCU team held their own and put up an impressive fight.

    The game was intense from start to finish, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. The HBCU team showed no fear as they went toe-to-toe with the top-ranked team, refusing to back down.

    The crowd was on their feet the entire game, cheering on the HBCU team and marveling at their tenacity and skill. It was a true David vs. Goliath matchup, and the HBCU team proved that they were not to be underestimated.

    In the end, the No. 1 team narrowly escaped with a victory, but the HBCU team walked off the court with their heads held high. They may not have come out on top, but they showed the world that they belong in the conversation of top college basketball teams.

    This game will go down in history as a testament to the talent and determination of HBCU athletes. They may be underdogs, but they are a force to be reckoned with. The future is bright for this team, and they are sure to continue making waves in the world of college basketball.

    Tags:

    HBCU basketball, HBCU sports, No. 1 hoops team, college basketball, HBCU athletics, college sports, underdog victory, HBCU pride, top ranked teams, March Madness, upset alert

    #HBCU #holds #hoops #team #nation

  • Hoops: Things to watch against No. 5 Alabama

    Hoops: Things to watch against No. 5 Alabama


    Hoops: Things to watch against No. 5 Alabama

    The start of conference play is here for Oklahoma.

    The Sooners kickoff their first season in the SEC on Saturday as they travel to No. 5 Alabama (5 p.m. SEC Network) for a top-15 matchup. They enter conference play in good shape — they finished non-conference play with a 13-0 record, they’re ranked No. 12 in the country and they’re one of only three undefeated teams remaining in basketball.

    But the road is going to be difficult. The Sooners have 10 games remaining against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25. They’ll have to win several tough games if they hope to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.

    That includes Saturday, where the Sooners will be tested against a tough team in Tuscaloosa. Here’s a few things to watch as the Sooners open SEC play:

    Jeremiah Fears’ conference debut

    The Sooners have a lot of factors for success, and that’ll need to continue. But Fears has undeniably been the catalyst for the Sooners’ 13-0 start.

    It took Fears just two games before he was inserted into the starting lineup. Since then, he’s been the fulcrum of OU’s offense. He leads the Sooners in scoring (18.1 points per game) and assists (4.5) while shooting 50% from the field. He’s tied for the team lead in shot attempts (149) and he leads the team in free throw attempts (81).

    Fears has been the leading scorer that the Sooners and Moser have desperately needed. He can score from all three levels. He’s already the best passer on the team, and the Sooners’ shot creation primarily goes through him. It’s no coincidence that he’s skyrocketed up NBA draft boards, with most experts projecting him as a lottery pick.

    However, he’s about to face a different gauntlet in the SEC. The true freshman isn’t going to be surprising anyone. He’s going to be at the top of every scouting report for opposing teams. And while there’s a lot to suggest that Fears is a true difference maker, the Sooners have had other lead guards wilt under the pressure of conference play the last couple of seasons.

    Fears will see his first true elite test against the Crimson Tide. Moser’s advice for Fears is to stay within himself.

    “Just keep focusing on the job, what he’s doing,” Moser said. “The lack of focus, not by him, but (sometimes by other) guys, they’re thinking of other things. When he’s locked in, and he stays locked in, then he watches extra tape. He’s in there shooting extra shots. He’s physically a physical offensive guard. Those are things that can get you out of rhythm, if you’re not a physical guard. He’s a physical offensive guard.

    “Understanding that he is one of our best assist guys, to set up other guys as well. I’m not going to over-take it with him. He does a lot of really good things. We’re going to keep coaching the heck out of him. Keep pushing him. Keep holding him accountable. To his credit, he’s so good with all that. He wants to be great. He wants to be better. I think he’s excited to play the teams we’re going to play. I think he’s excited about that.”

    Turnovers

    Turnovers had arguably been the biggest issue for the Sooners in the first three seasons under Moser. The Sooners have averaged at least 12.5 turnovers per game and a negative turnover margin in each of the last three seasons. Those numbers only skyrocketed in conference play.

    That hasn’t been the case this season. The Sooners are averaging just 11.4 turnovers per game and have a turnover margin of plus-3.2, easily the best mark of the Moser era. A big reason for that has been the impressive steal numbers. They’re averaging 9.5 steals per game, which is tied for 27th nationally. Fears is leading the charge with 2.2 steals per game.

    The Sooners are also averaging 20 points per game off turnovers, while opponents are averaging just 12.6. A lot of that has been feed by points in transition — the Sooners rank 33rd in fast break points per game (15.5)

    That’s going to be key to watch, both against Alabama and for the remainder of the season. The Crimson Tide have struggled with turnovers this season, averaging 12.8 per game with a turnover margin of minus-1.8. The Sooners have the upper hand with the turnover battle, and if they can turn those opportunities into easy offense, there’s a clear path to victory in Tuscaloosa.

    But the Sooners have to be mindful of that over the next few weeks. They’ve collapsed in conference play in each of the last three seasons, and turnovers have been arguably the biggest reason.

    3-point shooting

    Obviously, the Sooners are going to need scoring outside of Fears. Jalon Moore (17.7 points per game) and Duke Miles (12.5 points per game) have proven to be reliable scores, and the Sooners are going to need them to stay consistent.

    But the biggest thing to watch will be the outside shooting. So far, that’s been a huge advantage. The Sooners are shooting 36.7% from deep as a team, which ranks 64th nationally and fourth in the SEC. They could probably afford to shoot more, as they’re averaging 25 attempts per game, which is ninth in the SEC. Six different players are shooting 36% or better from 3, and that doesn’t include Miles or Fears, who have proven to be capable shooting.

    But the 3-point consistency is going to be key as the Sooners begin conference play. The Sooners shot just 33.6% from 3 during conference play season. The year before, they shot 32%. As a result, the offense sputtered.

    If the Sooners can hit enough shots, this team has the makeup to be the one that finally breaks through to the NCAA Tournament.

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    As the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide prepare to take on their next opponent, here are some key things to watch for in their upcoming game:

    1. Three-point shooting: Alabama is known for their sharpshooting from beyond the arc, with players like Jaden Shackelford and Jahvon Quinerly leading the way. Keep an eye on their three-point shooting efficiency and volume in the game.

    2. Defensive pressure: The Crimson Tide are also known for their aggressive defense, forcing turnovers and creating fast break opportunities. Watch how they disrupt their opponent’s offense and capitalize on turnovers.

    3. Rebounding battle: Alabama has a strong presence on the boards, with players like Herbert Jones and John Petty Jr. leading the way. Pay attention to how they control the glass and create second-chance opportunities.

    4. Transition offense: The Crimson Tide thrive in transition, using their speed and athleticism to push the pace and score quick points. Look out for their fast break opportunities and how they capitalize on them.

    5. Bench production: Alabama has a deep bench with players who can come in and make an impact. Keep an eye on how their bench players contribute to the game and provide a spark off the bench.

    Overall, this matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams bringing their A-game. Watch out for these key factors as the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide look to secure another victory.

    Tags:

    1. College basketball
    2. Hoops
    3. Alabama
    4. No. 5 Alabama
    5. NCAA basketball
    6. Top-ranked teams
    7. College sports
    8. Basketball match
    9. Game analysis
    10. Key players

    #Hoops #watch #Alabama

  • Nebraska Hoops Game Day: UCLA

    Nebraska Hoops Game Day: UCLA


    After a successful run through non-conference play, Nebraska will host No. 15 UCLA today, beginning its annual grind of 18 straight Big Ten games.

    Here is what you need to know going into the Bruins’ first visit to Lincoln since 1955…

    Who, What, Where, When

    Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-2, 1-1 Big Ten) vs. UCLA Bruins (11-2, 2-0 Big Ten)

    Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. CT

    Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,500)

    TV: FOX

    Radio: Huskers Radio Network

    Internet/Streaming: Fox Sports App

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    Nebraska projected starters

    Rollie WorsterGSr.6-5/210Finished with eight points, six assists, and four rebounds in the win over Southern. He’s now just six points away from reaching 1,000 for his career.
    Brice WilliamsGSr.6-7/214Averaging 19.0 ppg on 52 percent shooting to rank fifth in the Big Ten in scoring. He earned his second USBWA Player-of-the-Week honor.
    Juwan GaryFSr.6-6/226Posted nine points and three assists vs. Southern. He’s averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game this season.
    Berke BuyuktuncelFSo.6-10/224Former UCLA transfer who played in 26 games for the Bruins last season, including eight starts. He tied his career high with nine rebounds vs. Southern.
    Braxton MeahFSr.7-1/264Finished with three points, five rebounds, and two blocked shots against Southern. He had 19 points, eight boards, and five blocks in Washington’s win over UCLA last season.

    UCLA projected starters

    Dylan AndrewsGJr.6-2/180He averages 8.1 points and ranks second on the team with 2.8 assists per game this season.
    Skyy ClarkGJr.6-3/210He comes in scoring 6.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and leads the Bruins with 1.7 steals per game on the year.
    Kobe JohnsonGSr.6-6/200Averaging 7.5 points and leads UCLA with 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
    Eric Dailey Jr.G/FSo.6-8/230Oklahoma State transfer averaging 11.4 ppg on 55 percent shooting, including hitting a team-best 48 percent from 3-point range on the season.
    Tyler BilodeauFJr.6-9/230Oregon State transfer who leads UCLA at 14.5 ppg and is second with 5.2 rpg. He had 15 points and went 7-7 on FTs in OSU’s loss to Nebraska last season.

    3 keys to victory

    Value every possession

    Nebraska has struggled with its ball security all season, including committing 10 turnovers in the second half alone last time out vs. Southern. Fred Hoiberg has continuously preached the importance of taking better care of the basketball, and that area will be more critical than ever today. UCLA will be as daunting of a defensive challenge as the Huskers have seen this year. The Bruins are especially apt at creating turnovers with heavy full and half-court pressure. They come in ranked second nationally with 18.2 turnovers forced per game and are seventh with a +6.7 turnover margin. Nebraska must be dialed in on offense from start to finish, as any sloppy mistakes with the ball will almost certainly turn into UCLA points. 

    Match UCLA’s defense

    A unique aspect of this season has been how much Nebraska’s identity has shifted to becoming an elite defensive team. The Huskers currently rank inside the Big Ten’s top five in scoring defense (65.1 points per game) and opponent field goal percentage (38.1%). That includes holding their past five foes to an average of 56.2 ppg on just 34% shooting while owning a +6.2 rebounding advantage. As good as NU has been on that end of the floor, UCLA has been even better. The Bruins rank eighth nationally in scoring defense (58.7 ppg), fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency (89.9), and first in defensive turnover percentage (26.6). For Nebraska to have a chance at an upset today, it must match UCLA’s defensive effort for a full 40 minutes.

    Feed off of PBA

    UCLA currently stands as one of the Big Ten’s best teams on paper, especially with its play on defense. However, Nebraska owns one of the greatest equalizers in the conference – its homecourt advantage at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Today sets up to be a perfect storm for PBA to be at its best. The Bruins, a top-15 blue-blood opponent, come to Lincoln for the first time in 70 years for a Saturday afternoon televised nationally on FOX. The Huskers are off to an 11-2 start and have won their last five. More importantly, they’ve won 19 straight home games since December 2023, which is one shy of matching the program record. That includes 11 straight Big Ten home wins, capped by a 17-point route of Indiana on Dec. 13. When PBA is rolling, Nebraska can compete with and beat any team in the conference. That could be the biggest X-factor of all in this one.

    Quotable

    “We’re focused; we’re ready. We’re going to bring our A game. Everybody’s ready, and we’re just ready to put the world on notice, put the Big Ten on notice.”

    Senior guard Brice Williams on the importance today’s game vs. UCLA has for Nebraska’s season.

    Prediction

    Nebraska (-2.5) 66, UCLA 65

    Robin’s season record: 12-1

    Vs. the spread: 7-6

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    It’s game day for the Nebraska Cornhuskers as they take on the UCLA Bruins in an exciting matchup on the hardwood. The Huskers are looking to continue their strong start to the season and secure a big win against a tough opponent in UCLA.

    The team has been playing with great energy and determination, and fans are excited to see how they will fare against the Bruins. With their relentless defense and sharp shooting, the Huskers are poised to give UCLA a run for their money.

    So grab your red gear, rally your fellow fans, and get ready to cheer on the Huskers as they battle it out on the court. Let’s show our support and help lead our team to victory in this thrilling game against UCLA. Go Big Red! #NebraskaHoopsGameDay #GBR

    Tags:

    • Nebraska basketball
    • Nebraska Cornhuskers
    • UCLA Bruins
    • college basketball
    • game day
    • Nebraska vs UCLA
    • NCAA basketball
    • Nebraska sports
    • Nebraska basketball game
    • UCLA basketball game

    #Nebraska #Hoops #Game #Day #UCLA

  • Hoops Central: #1 Tennessee vs. #23 Arkansas

    Hoops Central: #1 Tennessee vs. #23 Arkansas


    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Opening its SEC slate and the 2025 calendar year, the top-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to battle No. 23 Arkansas Saturday afternoon at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

     
    Fans can catch Saturday’s game between the Volunteers (13-0) and Razorbacks (11-2) on ESPN. Karl Ravech (play-by-play) and Jimmy Dykes (analyst) will have the call.

    Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.

    In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it wrapped up the calendar year by defeating Norfolk State, 67-52, Tuesday afternoon at Food City Center. UT led from start to finish behind a game-high 24 points from fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier, sealing an unblemished non-conference record for the fifth time since joining the SEC (1932-33).


    THE MATCHUP

    • Tennessee is 7-2 in its last nine meetings with Arkansas, dating back to 3/10/18, after dropping the prior six matchups.

    • The Volunteers are seeking their second four-game winning streak in the series. Their lone prior one came from 2/13/02 to 2/11/04.

    • After being ranked for its matchup with Arkansas just six times (3-3) before 2017-18, this is the ninth time in UT’s 11 meetings since then in which it is ranked. The Volunteerss went 6-2 in the previous seven during that span.

    • UT has faced John Calipari 38 prior times, 16 more than any other active head coach (Rick Pitino, 22). It went 3-3 versus Calipari while at Memphis and 13- 19 during his Kentucky tenure.

    • This is UT’s second straight SEC game versus a Calipari-led team, as it ended the 2023-24 regular season against Kentucky.

    • Coming off a 16-17 (6-12) showing in 2023-24, Arkansas was picked fourth in the SEC preseason poll.

    • The Razorbacks are led by junior forward Adou Thiero’s 17.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 2.0 spg.

    NEWS & NOTES

    • John Calipari (824) and Rick Barnes (819) rank first and second among active DI head coaches in career wins. Barnes is 13-12 in their head-to-head meetings, including 11-0 in the regular season.

    • Arkansas senior forward Jonas Aidoo spent three seasons at UT. He was an AP First Team All-SEC pick in 2023-24, averaging 11.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.8 bpg.

    • Tennessee is 5-4 in SEC openers in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, including 2-1 at home. The Vols are also 5-4 in SEC home openers under Barnes, with three wins in a row.

    • UT is among just three undefeated DI schools—all of them are in the SEC—alongside Florida and Oklahoma. It is the only one also unbeaten in women’s basketball.

    • Tennessee is 13-2 all-time at No. 1 in the AP Poll. It is 12-1 under Rick Barnes (5-0 in 2023-24, 7-1 in 2018-19) and was 1-1 under Bruce Pearl (1-1 in 2007-08).

    • The Volunteers are 27-4 all- time as an AP top-three team, including 23-2 under Barnes.

    • Jahmai Mashack co-leads the SEC with four-plus steals four times.

    • The Volunteers are 13-0 for the second time ever, joining a 14-0 start in 1922-23. This is the fifth time in the SEC era (since 1932- 33) they went undefeated in non- conference play, including the second with nine-plus games.

    • Tennessee is on a 13-game winning streak for the fifth time (third in a single season). It is seeking its fourth 14-game ledger (third in a single campaign, alongside 1922- 23 [14] and 2018-19 [19]).

    • UT leads the nation in 3-point percentage defense (24.6), plus ranks second in both scoring defense (56.2) and field-goal percentage defense (34.7). It is also third in scoring margin (23.8).

    • After averaging 2.50 made 3-pointers per game over his first four outings as a Vol, Chaz Lanier is at a 4.56 mark across the last nine contests (41 total makes).

    • The Volunteers’ 184 wins over the last eight years (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Virginia. Only Gonzaga (223), Houston (217), Kansas (200), Duke (196), Purdue (191) and San Diego State (185) possess more

    HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY

    • Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.

    • The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.

    • UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years during that stretch.

    • The Vols are among only seven teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.

    • Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.

    • Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.

    • Additionally, over the last three seasons (2022- 25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.

    DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK

    • Tennessee, through 1/1/25, ranks second nationally in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.0), just behind first-place Houston (87.5).

    • The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).

    • In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).

    • In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.

    • UT, through 1/3/25, has won 41 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.

    • The Vols, through 1/3/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.

    RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES

    • TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 21 AP top-25 wins, good for co- fourth nationally, alongside Purdue. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (22). Only Marquette (19) is even within two of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is three behind (Alabama with 18).

    • TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is four shy (Alabama with 14).

    • TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Iowa State (14), Connecticut (13) and Purdue (13) are even within three of UT, while the closest SEC team is four behind (Alabama with 12).

    • TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-first in the SEC and co-fifth nationally, alongside Kentucky and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11) and Purdue (10) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).

    • TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.

    …AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY

    • Tennessee, at 21-14 (.600), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .500.

    • The Volunteers are 10 games over .500 (19-9; .679) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.

    • UT is also 10 games over .500 (16-6; .727) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC team in winning percentage, Auburn (8-6; .571), has half as many wins with the same amount of losses.

    • At 8-5 (.615), the Volunteers are the only team in the SEC with a winning record against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (8-8; .500) places a distant second.

    • Tennessee (5-4; .556) and Arkansas (3-2; .600) are the only SEC programs at .500 or better versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch.

    • The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (35) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trail just Texas (42), Oklahoma (39) and Alabama (36) in such outings, while no other SEC school is above 30.

    WINNING WAYS

    • Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (184) and overall winning percentage (.736), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).

    • In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.734) and Kentucky (.705).

    • In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (86-39; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (87-38; .696), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (81-45; .643) and Alabama (78-48; .619) have even 70-plus wins.

    • Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own an 92-28 (.767) overall record, that is good for the most victories and best winning percentage in the SEC over that span.

    • In that same four-year span, Tennessee (39-15; .722) is tied with Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.

    POLL PRESENCE

    • Tennessee has played 216 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 164-52 (.759) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 316 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (216 of 250, 86.4 percent).

    • UT is 143-47 (.753) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 112-34 (.767) while top-15, 86-25 (.775) while top-10, 42-12 (.778) while top-five, 23-2 (.920) while top-three and 12-1 (.923) while No. 1.

    • The Vols are 29-22 (.569) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-15 (.605) with both teams in the top 20, 14-9 (.609) with both in the top 15 and 7-6 (.538) with both in the top 10.

    HAPPY AT HOME

    • Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 65-7 (.903) on their home court.

    • In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 130-24 (.844) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.



    Get ready for an exciting matchup as the #1 ranked Tennessee Volunteers take on the #23 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks in a highly anticipated showdown at Hoops Central.

    Both teams are coming off impressive wins and are looking to continue their success in this crucial matchup. Tennessee boasts a strong offense led by standout players like Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield, while Arkansas has proven to be a tough opponent with their relentless defense and sharp shooting.

    This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of top college basketball talent, so make sure to tune in and catch all the action at Hoops Central. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be a high-energy, competitive battle between these two powerhouse teams. #GoVols #WPS #HoopsCentral.

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    2. Hoops Central game preview
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    #Hoops #Central #Tennessee #Arkansas

  • How to watch, listen and follow Ole Miss hoops SEC opener against Georgia

    How to watch, listen and follow Ole Miss hoops SEC opener against Georgia


    OXFORD, Miss. – The grind of the challenging SEC schedule begins, as the No. 23 Ole Miss men’s basketball team hosts Georgia on Saturday, January 4 at 11 a.m. in the SJB Pavilion and on the SEC Network.

    TEAM FACTS

    No. 24/23 Ole Miss Rebels (Record: 11-2, 0-0 SEC)
    Head Coach: Chris Beard • 2nd Season at Ole Miss (31-14) • 268-112 career record (13th Season)
     
    Georgia Bulldogs (Record: 12-1, 0-0 SEC)
    Head Coach: Mike White • 3rd Season at Georgia (48-34) • 291-162 career record (14th Season)

    ON THE AIR
    Television/Online: SEC Network
    Play-by-Play: Richard Cross
    Color: Pat Bradley

    OLE MISS RADIO 
    Radio: Ole Miss Radio Network
    Play-by-Play: David Kellum
    Color: Marc Dukes

    SERIES HISTORY VS. GEORGIA
    This will be the 126th game between the Rebels and Bulldogs, with Georgia holding a lead in the all-time series 78-47. When playing in Oxford, Ole Miss holds a slight advantage 28-25, although the Bulldogs have taken the previous two matchups in Mississippi. While the previous 10 games are split even at five-apiece, Georgia has come out on top of five of the last seven.
     
    LAST MEETING: March 5, 2024 (L, 66-69, Athens, Ga.)
    • The Bulldogs defended their home court in the lone matchup between Ole Miss and Georgia near the end of the regular season last year, carrying a three-point advantage at the half through the final buzzer.
    • Jaylen Murray (Ole Miss): 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals.
    • Jaemyn Brakefield (Ole Miss): 19 points, four rebounds, one assist.
    • Noah Thomasson (Georgia): 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, one block, one steal.
     
    SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
    Georgia closed out their non-conference schedule with a record of 12-1, and enter SEC play on a seven game winning streak. They picked up notable wins over Georgia Tech, St. John’s, Notre Dame, and Grand Canyon, and are receiving votes in both the AP and Coaches top-25 polls.
     
    Five players are averaging double figures for Georgia, led by De’Shayne Montgomery at 16.0 points per game. The sophomore transfer from Mount St. Mary’s was recently approved to play in the past three games for the Bulldogs, and has made an immediate impact by shooting 73.1 percent from the field while collecting nine steals. Freshman star Asa Newell leads Georgia in rebounding at 6.4 boards per contest, and is averaging 15.5 points. He ranks third among SEC players with a field goal percentage of 59.0.
     
    Led by Somto Cyril with 26 blocks on the season, Georgia ranks fifth in the nation with an average of 6.0 blocks per game. The Bulldogs have been a force on the boards, out-rebounding their opponents by a margin of +10.4 to begin the year, the 11th-highest in the country. Georgia also ranks among the best in all of college ball in field goal percentage (50.7, No. 13 in NCAA), scoring margin (+18.5, No. 18 in NCAA), and three-point percentage defense (28.0, No. 18 in NCAA).
     
    Head coach Mike White is in his third year with the Georgia program, holding a record of 48-34 in Athens. He previously spent seven seasons at Florida, where he compiled a 142-88 record and earned four NCAA Tournament berths. He got his first head coaching job at Louisiana Tech in 2011, where he coached for four years and led the Bulldogs to a 101-40 record. Prior to entering the head coaching ranks, White spent seven seasons as an assistant for the Ole Miss program under head coaches Rod Barnes and Andy Kennedy. A graduate of Ole Miss himself, White was a four-year starter for the Rebels basketball team, helping them win two SEC West titles and a trio of NCAA Tournament berths. His 370 career assists rank as the seventh-most in school history, after leading the team in assists per game all four of his seasons on campus.
     
    “POLL” POSITION
    In the latest top-25 polls released this past Monday, Ole Miss ranks No. 24 in the AP Poll and No. 23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Recently at No. 15 in the Coaches Poll on December 9, it was the highest ranking in a national poll since the Rebels were No. 14 in the AP Poll on January 4, 2010, and the highest position in the Coaches Poll since they sat in 15th on January 21 in 2008.
     
    AP FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT, BUTTER, AND WATER
    Ole Miss has dominated the turnover battle this year, ranking third in the nation with a turnover margin of +7.4 while ranking seventh in turnovers per game at 9.0. The Rebels are forcing an average of 16.4 turnovers per contest which ranks 18th in the NCAA. Ole Miss’ assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.82 also ranks among the nation’s best at 9th, led by Jaylen Murray with a season ratio of 3.24. They’ve been a force on the defensive end with an average of 10.2 steals per game (No. 14 in NCAA), paced by Sean Pedulla, who ranks No. 20 in steals per game nationally.
     
    EASY TO HANDLE – A DIME BY THE DOZEN
    Recording an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.35 in his first season with Ole Miss, senior Jaylen Murray has taken his point guard play to an even higher level, beginning the 2024-25 year with 55 assists to just 17 turnovers. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.24 ranks 24th in the nation. “Juju” has registered five or more assists in seven games for the Rebels this season and ranks seventh in the SEC with 4.2 assists per game.
     
    During his time at Ole Miss, Murray is averaging 4.04 assists per game, the fifth best career average in program history.
     
    Career Assists Average
    1. 7.09, Sean Tuohy (830 assists, 117 games, 1979-82)
    2. 4.89, Bob Mahoney (329 assists, 74 games, 1973-75)
    3. 4.43, Rod Barnes (456 assists, 103 games, 1985-88)
    4. 4.36, Dave Shepherd (218 assists, 50 games, 1974-75)
    5. 4.04, Jaylen Murray (182 assists, 45 games, 2023-pres.)
    6. 3.96, Jarvis Summers (530 assists, 134 games, 2012-15)
    7. 3.93, Chris Warren (452 assists, 115 games, 2008-11)
    8. 3.60, Henry Jackson (378 assists, 105 games, 1976-79)
    9. 3.53, Todd Abernethy (431 assists, 122 games, 2004-07)
    10. 3.52, Deandre Burnett (225 assists, 64 games, 2016-18)
     
    I’LL TAKE THAT, PLEASE
    Sean Pedulla has been a force for the Rebels on defense, forcing 32 steals for an average of 2.5 per game. The senior guard has collected a steal in 12 of 13 games to begin the 2024-25 season, grabbing multiple swipes in nine games this year with a season-best of five against Oral Roberts.
     
    A “DO-IT-ALL” SCHOOL
    Ole Miss is one of just three schools in the nation that currently hold a spot in the AP Top 25 in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, joined by Alabama and Tennessee. On the gridiron, the Rebels rank No. 16 while men’s hoops ranks No. 24 and the women No. 25.
     
    LET’S PLAY DEFENSE
    A staple of success for head coach Chris Beard has always been his team’s defensive play, and it’s been evident on this year’s Ole Miss roster to start the season. With a turnover margin of +7.4, the Rebels own the third-best average in all of college basketball, forcing 16.4 per game (No. 18 in the NCAA) while committing just 9.0 to rank seventh in the NCAA.
     
    They have held opponents to 60 points or less in four games this season, allowing an average of just 65.4 per contest, the 48th-fewest in the NCAA. Their field goal percentage defense of 41.1 ranks 88th in the country this season, and Ole Miss holds a record of 13-1 in two years under Beard when holding the opposition to under 40 percent from the field. Their scoring margin of +15.5 this season is the 36th-best figure in the country.
     
    Ole Miss ranks among the top teams in the nation in steals per game at 10.2, the 14th-best clip in college basketball, and blocks per game at 5.0 to rank 35th.
     
    BATTLE TESTED
    The future schedule for Ole Miss is one of the most difficult in the nation. As of January 2, they own the second-toughest remaining strength of schedule in the nation, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index. Their remaining opponent’s win percentage of 89.3 is the fourth-highest in all of college basketball.
     
    THE CHEF IS HOT
    Guard Sean Pedulla has been dominant on both ends of the floor for Ole Miss as of late. Over the past six games, he is averaging 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 48.5 percent from the floor.
     
    “HE A FREE THROW”
    Through the first 13 games, Jaylen Murray has gone 26-29 from the free throw line for a percentage of 89.7. Entering the game with Purdue, Murray had not missed a shot from the charity stripe, and was one of six players in all of college basketball to remain perfect. The Bronx native also connected on his first two free throws during the Purdue game to extend his consecutive made shots at 32 dating back to the 2023-24 season, tying Murray with Stefan Moody for the second-longest streak in school history, trailing only David Rhodes’ 37 during 1972.
     
    I GOT ALL NUMBERS
    The 2024-25 Ole Miss basketball roster boasts some serious career statistics. Seven players have scored over 1,000 points in their collegiate career, including Matthew Murrell (1,549), Sean Pedulla (1,421), Dre Davis (1,275), Jaemyn Brakefield (1,220), Jaylen Murray (1,167), Mikeal Brown-Jones (1,101), and Davon Barnes (1,012). The Rebels roster is one of two in the nation to feature seven players with over 1,000 career points (also Minnesota). Entering the season, the team possessed 8,735 career points, 3,062 rebounds, 1,346 assists, 596 steals, and 327 blocks.
     
    SEASONED VETERANS
    Featuring 10 seniors on the roster, Ole Miss returned the fourth-highest minutes-per-game figure among all “power-five” programs in the nation at 284.3, and the most in the SEC. In total, Ole Miss players have played in nearly 1,000 career collegiate games with over 500 starts. The Rebels are one of 18 programs in the nation that feature five or more players in at least their fifth year of college basketball.
     
    PROGRAM POINT PRESIDENTS
    Seniors Matthew Murrell and Jaemyn Brakefield have each surpassed the 1,000-point mark during their careers here in Oxford, and continue to climb the program leaderboard. Here’s a snapshot of where they lie among the career points list at Ole Miss:
    …
    11. Gerald Glass – 1,564
    12. Don Kessinger – 1,553
    13. Matthew Murrell – 1,549
    14. Terence Davis – 1,512
    …
    32. Rahim Lockhart – 1,160
    33. Ken Turner – 1,159
    34. Jaemyn Brakefield – 1,142
    35. Jack Marshall – 1,137
     
    IT STILL MEANS MORE
    The gauntlet of the SEC got even tougher this season with the addition of Oklahoma and Texas to the conference for the 2024-25 academic year. With 10 teams currently owning a spot in the national top-25 polls, including Ole Miss, the schedule for the Rebels is littered with big games, especially at home in the SJB Pavilion. Between January 22 and February 4, Ole Miss will host No. 12 Texas A&M, No. 2 Auburn, Texas, and No. 10 Kentucky.
     
    NETWORKING
    The 2024-25 NET Rankings made their debut on Monday, December 2 and Ole Miss has since climbed their way to No. 39 in the nation. Since the ranking’s first iteration at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, their ranking of 21st on December 19 is the highest-ever NET Ranking for the Ole Miss program.
     
    As of January 2, the entire SEC is ranked among the top 100, with 14 of the 16 programs sitting inside the top 50, seven in the top 25, and four in the top 10.
     
    RECORD BOOK WRECKER
    Senior guard Matthew Murrell enters his fifth season with Ole Miss and continues to put his name up and down the program record book. The Memphis native currently ranks 13th in school history in career points with 1,549, and fifth in both three-point shots made (230), and three-point attempts (653). A consistent member of the lineup for each of his seasons, Murrell recently entered the top-10 in both career minutes and games played. He currently sits in seventh with 3,754 minutes, just behind Chris Warren with 3,812, and has played in 130 games, tying him for seventh with Breein Tyree and just behind four players with 132.
     
    Murrell has his eyes set on entering the top-10 career lists in two other categories as well, on the verge in: Career field goal attempts (Murrell at 1,276, 10th is Carlos Clark at 1,297), and career steals (Murrell at 143, 10th is Rahim Lockhart at 148).

    ———-

    Notes, info and more courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics



    Are you ready to cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels as they take on Georgia in their SEC opener? Here’s how you can watch, listen, and follow all the action:

    Watch: The game will be televised on the SEC Network. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can tune in to the SEC Network on your TV. If you don’t have cable, you can also stream the game on the ESPN app or on the SEC Network website with a subscription.

    Listen: If you prefer to listen to the game on the radio, you can tune in to the Ole Miss Sports Network. Check your local listings for the station in your area. You can also listen to the game online through the Ole Miss Rebels website or the TuneIn app.

    Follow: Can’t watch or listen to the game? No problem! You can still stay up to date with live updates and commentary on social media. Follow the official Ole Miss basketball accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest news and highlights.

    Don’t miss out on the excitement of Ole Miss basketball as they kick off their SEC season against Georgia. Go Rebels! #HottyToddy #OleMissHoops #SECOpener

    Tags:

    Ole Miss basketball, SEC opener, Georgia, watch Ole Miss hoops, listen to Ole Miss basketball, follow Ole Miss SEC game

    #watch #listen #follow #Ole #hoops #SEC #opener #Georgia