Missouri Upsets No. 22 Tennessee in Defensive Battle

Tigers prove they can be the enforcers in a gritty win over the Volunteers.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:36am

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The Missouri Tigers pulled off a 73-69 upset victory over the No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers in a hard-fought defensive battle. Led by a career-high 28 points from guard T.O. Barrett, the Tigers showed they can win even when not exploiting a height advantage, proving they can be the enforcers against physical opponents. Missouri's defense forced 15 Tennessee turnovers, which they converted into 23 points, while also limiting the Volunteers' second-chance opportunities despite being outrebounded. The Tigers' perimeter shooting also improved in the second half to complement their interior scoring.

Why it matters

This win over a ranked Tennessee team has put Missouri in a strong position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid if they can finish the season strong. The Tigers demonstrated their ability to adapt to physical, defensive-minded opponents, showcasing their growth and potential as they continue to build their resume.

The details

Missouri trailed early 14-4, but guard T.O. Barrett scored 12 points in the final 13 minutes of the first half to keep the Tigers within striking distance. In the second half, Barrett took over, scoring 12 points during a crucial 9-minute stretch that allowed Missouri to retake the lead and pull away. The Tigers' defense also stepped up, forcing 15 Tennessee turnovers and limiting the Volunteers' second-chance points despite being outrebounded. Missouri's perimeter shooting, which was cold in the first half, improved to 4-of-8 in the second half to complement their interior scoring.

  • Missouri trailed 14-4 in the first six minutes of the game.
  • Barrett scored 12 points in the final 13:13 of the first half to keep Missouri close.
  • Barrett scored 12 points during a 9-minute stretch in the second half to power Missouri's comeback.

The players

T.O. Barrett

A Missouri guard who scored a career-high 28 points, taking over the game in the second half to lead the Tigers to the upset victory.

Anthony Robinson II

A Missouri guard who applied heavy defensive pressure, helping force 15 Tennessee turnovers that the Tigers converted into 23 points.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, who acknowledged that Barrett "went down there and got what he wanted" in the second half.

Dennis Gates

The head coach of the Missouri Tigers, who believed his team was able to "calibrate their senses" and adjust to Tennessee's physicality after an early struggle.

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What they’re saying

“He went down there and got what he wanted.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Volunteers Head Coach

“I didn't feel like they could guard me, so I just kept going at it.”

— T.O. Barrett, Missouri Tigers Guard

“I think a lot it was Anthony Robinson coming in and applying a lot of pressure, and that kind of just rattles their entire offense. Then we just kind of play off of that.”

— T.O. Barrett, Missouri Tigers Guard

What’s next

The Tigers will look to continue their strong play and solidify their NCAA Tournament resume in the final three games of the regular season.

The takeaway

Missouri's gritty win over a ranked Tennessee team showcases the Tigers' growth and ability to adapt to physical, defensive-minded opponents. This victory puts them in a strong position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid if they can finish the season strong.