Tennessee Hosts LSU in 'Dark Mode' Basketball Matchup

Vols look to extend winning streak against struggling Tigers squad

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Tennessee basketball will host LSU on Saturday evening in their annual 'Dark Mode' game at the Food City Center in Knoxville. The Volunteers have won 5 of their last 6 games and are looking to extend their 4-game winning streak against the Tigers, who have struggled in SEC play this season. Tennessee will wear their all-black alternate uniforms for the occasion.

Why it matters

The 'Dark Mode' game has become a popular annual tradition for Tennessee basketball, with the team donning their sleek black uniforms. This matchup also has conference implications, as the Vols look to maintain their position in the SEC standings against a struggling LSU squad.

The details

Tennessee (17-7, 7-4 SEC) is coming off a win at Mississippi State on Wednesday, bouncing back from a loss at Kentucky last weekend. LSU (14-10, 2-9) has had a difficult time in SEC play, with multiple losing streaks during conference action. The Tigers' leading scorer, Dedan Thomas Jr., has been ruled out for this game, while their second-leading scorer, Max Mackinnon, is questionable.

  • The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. Eastern Time tip-off on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Tennessee wore the 'Dark Mode' alternate uniforms earlier this season in a win over Syracuse.

The players

Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee men's basketball team, who are hosting this 'Dark Mode' matchup against LSU.

LSU Tigers

The visiting LSU men's basketball team, who have struggled in SEC play this season with a 2-9 conference record.

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What’s next

The winner of this game will take another step towards securing a favorable seed in the SEC Tournament.

The takeaway

Tennessee's 'Dark Mode' game against LSU is a popular annual tradition that showcases the team's sleek black alternate uniforms. While LSU has struggled in conference play, the Vols will look to continue their recent strong run of form and extend their winning streak against the Tigers.