NEWS & NOTES
• The last time Tennessee tipped off before noon local time was 11/22/23 when it dropped a 69-60 decision to #1 Kansas in the Maui Invitational third-place game, with tip-off at 9:30 a.m. in Honolulu.
• Tennessee (14-0) and Oklahoma (13-0) were two of the final three undefeated teams in DI this year, alongside Florida (13-0).
• This contest ends the first five- game streak of outings versus AP top-15 teams (or even AP top- 25 teams) in Tennessee history. Oklahoma, though, peaked at No. 12 this year and is the 11th straight UT foe that has been ranked at some point this season, a mark that will reach at least 14.
• Tennessee has at least four AP top-15 victories for the fourth consecutive season. It hit that mark just once previously (1976- 77) before this stretch.
• On the defensive end, the Vols lead the nation in eFG% (42.5), FG% (36.3) and 3P% (26.7).
• UT made 10 of its first 13 3-pointers against #15/16 Missouri. It finished 10-of-15, its second time in 20 years with 10 makes on 15 tries.
• Zakai Zeigler's 636 assists are No. 10 in SEC history. He is within 10 of passing /tying LSU's Ethan Martin (638 from 1977-81), Texas A&M's Alex Caruso (644 from 2012-16), LSU's Kenny Higgs (645 from 1974-78) and Kentucky's Dirk Minniefield (646 from 1979-83).
• Igor Miličić Jr., has recorded at least 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists thrice this season, including in each of his last two outings. No Volunteer had posted that line in a game since Grant Williams on 2/2/19 at Texas A&M. He is one of 11 SEC players in the last 20 seasons (2005-25) post that line three times in one year.
• UT's 190 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank ninth in DI. Only Gonzaga (229), Houston (226), Kansas (207), Duke (205), Purdue (200), San Diego State (192), Auburn (191) and Saint Mary's (191) possess more. Drake (188) and Liberty (188) tie to round out the top 10.
• Tennessee is seeking its 31st all- time 20-win season, including its sixth in the last eight campaigns and fourth in a row.