Missouri Tigers Defeat Tennessee Volunteers 73-69

Barrett and Mitchell lead the Tigers to a big win over the ranked Volunteers

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:12am

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In a thrilling matchup at Mizzou Arena on February 24, 2026, the Missouri Tigers defeated the 22nd-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 73-69. The victory was fueled by standout performances from guard T.O. Barrett, who scored a career-high 28 points, and forward Mark Mitchell, who added 23 points. The win boosts Missouri's chances of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.

Why it matters

This victory over a ranked opponent is a significant step forward for the Missouri Tigers, who have struggled with foul trouble and defensive consistency in recent games. The win showcases the team's ability to compete with top-tier programs and could be a turning point in their season as they push for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

T.O. Barrett's explosive scoring and Mark Mitchell's continued strong form were key factors in the Tigers' win. Missouri head coach Dennis Gates has emphasized the need to balance physicality with avoiding unnecessary fouls, as the team has struggled with foul trouble in recent games. The game featured a hard-fought defensive battle, with both teams vying for control of the boards. Nate Ament of Tennessee was a key presence in rebounding, while Missouri's Trent Burns contributed significantly on the defensive end.

  • The game was played on February 24, 2026 at Mizzou Arena.

The players

T.O. Barrett

A guard for the Missouri Tigers who scored a career-high 28 points in the victory.

Mark Mitchell

A forward for the Missouri Tigers who added 23 points to the team's winning effort.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

A player for the Tennessee Volunteers who averages 18.1 points per game.

Nate Ament

A player for the Tennessee Volunteers who averages 4.9 rebounds per game.

Dennis Gates

The head coach of the Missouri Tigers, who has emphasized the importance of balancing physicality and avoiding unnecessary fouls.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with physicality, but we also need to be smarter about avoiding fouls. It's a delicate balance that we're working to improve.”

— Dennis Gates, Head Coach, Missouri Tigers

What’s next

As the Missouri Tigers enter the final stretch of their regular season, these types of victories over ranked opponents will be crucial for bolstering their NCAA Tournament resume. The team is currently 18-9 overall and 8-6 in SEC play, and a strong finish could secure their spot in the tournament.

The takeaway

This win over a ranked Tennessee team showcases the Missouri Tigers' potential and their ability to compete with top-tier programs. If the team can continue to improve their defensive consistency and avoid foul trouble, they could be a dangerous team in the postseason.