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Tennessee vs Missouri: 2022-23 SEC basketball game preview & prediction

By Nicholas Nathanson

COLUMBIA, MO - JANUARY 28: Kobe Brown #24 of the Missouri Tigers shoots a free throw during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Mizzou Arena on January 28, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - JANUARY 28: Kobe Brown #24 of the Missouri Tigers shoots a free throw during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Mizzou Arena on January 28, 2023 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee vs Missouri: 2022-23 SEC basketball game preview & prediction

Missouri has struggled in conference play this season, holding a current record of 6-5. However, outside of that, they’ve been almost perfect – with a record of 12-1. In fact they come in as winners of 4 of their last 5, including an impressive out of conference win against a tough Iowa State team. Thus far this season, they’ve averaged the second most points in the SEC per game, right behind Alabama, which tells me they don’t have trouble scoring. Furthermore, they shoot well from behind the three point line, second in SEC basketball, and have a great forward in Kobe Brown, who is averaging 16.3 PPG on 57.3% shooting and 45% from three.

So, then what’s the problem? Well, basketball is a tale of two sides.

On the defensive end, Missouri isn’t quite as strong. The Tigers rank last in the SEC surrendering more than 70 PPG.

The Volunteers will take advantage of this.

A complete team all around which gives up the least PPG at 55, the Volunteers will look to stymie the Tigers offense, just as they have to Auburn and out of conference foe, Kansas, earlier in the season. Plus, they are a pretty solid offensive team, with three players averaging double figure points.

This insight is why I see Tennessee getting past Missouri at home. It doesn’t hurt that the Volunteers sport an 11-1 home record, while Missouri sports a 2-4 away record. This will be important to remember and crucial as the game unfolds. The Tigers simply just aren’t the same team when they are on the road, and, playing in a hostile environment at Tennessee won’t work in their favor, in my opinion.

Tennessee vs Missouri Game Prediction

I mentioned above the disparity in Missouri’s record, specifically their home vs away record. I also made attention to their struggle in SEC games this season. This will work in Tennessee’s favor as they are one of the most complete teams in College Basketball this season. I expect the Volunteers to win comfortably. Prediction: Tennessee 74, Missouri 57

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