- Matchup: Tennessee State Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers
- Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
- Venue: Food City Center, Knoxville, TN
- Broadcast: SECN+
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This Thursday, the undefeated Tennessee Volunteers (4-0) take on the Tennessee State Tigers (2-2) at Food City Center.
The last outing for the Tennessee State Tigers was a tough loss against Western Kentucky, with the final score of 95-82. The Tigers had 21 personal fouls compared to Western Kentucky’s 24. From beyond the arc, Tennessee State struggled, hitting only 2 of 15 attempts. Western Kentucky converted 71.9% of their free throws, making 23 of 32. On the boards, they achieved 35 rebounds, split between 10 offensive and 25 defensive. They provided 16 assists and recorded 7 steals during the game. Defensively, Tennessee State yielded a 54.7% shooting percentage, allowing Western Kentucky to score 35 of 64 attempts. Additionally, the Tigers contributed 13 assists, forced 9 turnovers, and earned 5 steals. On the rebounding front, Tennessee State collected a total of 27, with 8 being offensive. They excelled at the free-throw line, making 25 of 34 shots for a success rate of 73.5%. Overall, the Tigers finished with a 41.4% field goal percentage (24 of 58) and 9 out of 24 from three-point range.
Aaron Nkrumah stood out in this match, scoring 22 points on 6 of 12 shooting in 36 minutes, while also grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists.
With a current record of 2-2, Tennessee State averages 94.0 points per game (29th in Division I) with a shooting percentage of 46.3%. Their three-point accuracy stands at 33.0% (35 of 106), and they achieve an impressive 78.2% from the free-throw line. The Tigers average 48.0 rebounds per game and have racked up 68 assists, ranking 165th in D-1 for assists. However, turnovers average at 15.3 per game, coupled with a personal foul average of 19.5.
On the defensive side, the Tigers force an average of 15.8 turnovers per game while committing 17.5 personal fouls. They restrict opponents to 25.0% from three-point range and are 245th in Division I in points allowed per game (77.0). The Tigers allow an opponent field goal percentage of 43.8% (112 of 256) and relinquish 35.0 rebounds per game. They currently rank 212th in D-1 for assists allowed, with 60 given up this season.
The Tennessee Volunteers triumphed in their last game, defeating Rice 91-66. In terms of rebounding, the Volunteers allowed Rice just 25 total rebounds, including 11 offensive boards. Tennessee shot 28.6% from three-point range, making 8 of 28 attempts, and converted 18 of 25 free throws (72.0%). Rice managed to score on 20 of 60 attempts, resulting in a shooting percentage of 33.3%. The Volunteers finished the game with a field goal percentage of 52.3%, hitting 34 of 65 shots. From three-point range, they were 6 of 19 (31.6%) and maintained a free throw success rate of 77.3%, with Rice committing 18 fouls that allowed Tennessee 22 attempts from the line. The Volunteers had 11 turnovers and recorded 7 steals while collecting 27 defensive and 17 offensive rebounds, totaling 44 rebounds.
Felix Okpara was instrumental for the Volunteers, going 8 for 10 in the contest, achieving a shooting percentage of 80.0%. He also gathered 8 rebounds and scored 20 points in 27 minutes while providing 2 assists.
The Volunteers hold a 4-0 record this season. They commit an average of 15.3 fouls per game and shoot 72.5% from the free throw line. They rank 2nd nationally with 23.0 assists per game while turning the ball over 14.0 times per game. Tennessee has scored a total of 361 points this year, averaging 90.3 points per game, and grabs 50.0 rebounds per contest. Offensively, they shoot an impressive 51.5% from the field, placing them 33rd in the nation.
Defensively, Tennessee ranks 30th nationally in points allowed per game with 62.3. They force opponents into an average of 12.0 turnovers and limit their shooting percentage to 34.4% (12th in the nation). The Volunteers permit just 27.0% on three-point attempts (33 of 122) and allow 62.0% of opponent free throws to be made. On average, they allow 9.8 assists and 28.0 rebounds per game, ranking 33rd and 18th respectively in these defensive categories.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take Tennessee
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