Tennessee Volunteers Aim to Bounce Back Against Mississippi State Bulldogs

Tennessee looks to rebound from a recent loss as they take on the struggling Mississippi State Bulldogs in a key SEC matchup.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team is set to face off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a crucial SEC contest on Wednesday. The Vols are coming off a tough loss and will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance against a Bulldogs squad that has lost 7 of its last 8 games. Tennessee boasts the SEC's best defense, while Mississippi State has struggled offensively, ranking third-worst in the conference in points per game. The Vols will lean on standout players like Nate Ament and Bishop Boswell to lead them to victory.

Why it matters

This game represents an important opportunity for Tennessee to regain momentum after a recent setback. A win would keep the Vols in the hunt for a high seed in the SEC tournament, while a loss could dampen their postseason aspirations. Additionally, the Vols will be looking to avenge an earlier close loss and prove they can close out games against conference foes.

The details

Tennessee enters the game with the SEC's top-ranked defense, which will be tasked with slowing down Mississippi State's leading scorer, point guard Josh Hubbard, who is averaging over 20 points per game. On the offensive end, the Vols will look to get the ball to star forward Nate Ament, who is a projected top-10 NBA draft pick and has been playing some of his best basketball of the season. Tennessee will also need contributions from guard Bishop Boswell, who has been a key leader for the team.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Nate Ament

A star forward for the Tennessee Volunteers who is a projected top-10 NBA draft pick and has been playing well lately.

Bishop Boswell

A key guard for the Tennessee Volunteers who has been a strong leader for the team.

Josh Hubbard

The leading scorer for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, averaging over 20 points per game as the team's starting point guard.

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What they’re saying

“It seems that the team is finally beginning to settle in and catch stride as the season progresses. Boswell and Ament have been strong leaders over the last few games, and that should continue.”

— Dale Dowden, SI Staff Writer (si.com)

“Tennessee comes into the Mississippi State game with statistically the best defense in the SEC while Miss State has the third-worst PPG in the SEC. The Bulldogs have lost 7/8 games, and going against the Vols with Nate Ament playing some of his best basketball of the season, I just don't see Mississippi State coming out with a win.”

— Wesley Powell, SI Staff Writer (si.com)

“I think the Tennessee Volunteers are going to come out of the game with a chip on their shoulder. Losing the way they did on Saturday is not taken lightly, as this was the second time they have allowed this to happen. The point of emphasis will be closing this game, as they will be tasked with stopping one of the better point guards in the nation. They will have the goal of stopping Josh Hubbard, who is averaging over 20 points per game and is a dangerous shot creator from all levels.”

— Caleb Sisk, SI Staff Writer (si.com)

What’s next

The Volunteers will look to build on this game when they face the LSU Tigers in their next contest, while the Bulldogs will try to rebound against their in-state rivals, the Ole Miss Rebels.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial opportunity for the Tennessee Volunteers to regain their footing in SEC play and prove they can close out tough conference matchups. A win would keep them firmly in the hunt for a high seed in the SEC tournament, while a loss could dampen their postseason aspirations.