Tennessee Focuses on Inside Offense Ahead of Mississippi State Matchup

Volunteers look to bounce back after missed layups cost them a win against Kentucky.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 12:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tennessee men's basketball team is focusing on improving their inside offense and finishing at the rim ahead of their matchup against Mississippi State. The Volunteers missed several key layups in their recent loss to Kentucky, which ended their four-game winning streak. Freshman sensation Nate Ament has been a bright spot for Tennessee, but the team knows they need to make more shots at the rim and free throws to get back on track. Mississippi State is also looking to shore up their defensive issues, particularly their point-of-attack defense, after a recent loss to Arkansas.

Why it matters

Tennessee's inability to convert easy shots at the rim has been an issue all season and ultimately cost them a key conference game against Kentucky. Improving their inside scoring will be crucial as the Volunteers look to solidify their position in the SEC standings and make a push for the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Mississippi State is hoping to tighten up their defense to slow down Tennessee's offense.

The details

In their loss to Kentucky, the Volunteers missed four of their seven layup attempts, which proved costly. Tennessee coach Rick Barnes acknowledged that his team needs to do a better job of finishing at the rim. Freshman Nate Ament has been a bright spot, scoring 28 points against Ole Miss and 29 against Kentucky, but the team as a whole struggled at the free-throw line, going just 17-of-25. Mississippi State is coming off an 88-68 loss to Arkansas, in which they allowed a 20-2 run early in the first half that they could not recover from. Bulldogs coach Chris Jans said his team needs to improve their point-of-attack defense and do a better job of keeping opponents from getting the ball where they want to go.

  • Tennessee's four-game winning streak ended with the loss to Kentucky on Saturday.
  • Mississippi State is coming off an 88-68 loss to Arkansas on Saturday.

The players

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee men's basketball team.

Nate Ament

A freshman sensation for the Tennessee Volunteers, who scored 28 points against Ole Miss and 29 against Kentucky.

Chris Jans

The head coach of the Mississippi State men's basketball team.

Josh Hubbard

The leading scorer for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, averaging 20.6 points per game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These guys will bounce back. They have too much pride. They work too hard. Their work ethic is too good.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

“We've got to make shots at the rim and free throws, and we've got to be mentally tougher.”

— Nate Ament, Tennessee Player

“Point-of-attack defense. We are not doing a good enough job on a consistent basis with old-fashioned guarding the basketball.”

— Chris Jans, Mississippi State Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.