Overview
- Tip is 2 p.m. Central at Walton Arena with television coverage on ESPN2.
- Both teams enter ranked and 10-3, starting conference play after challenging nonconference slates.
- Tennessee leans on senior guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie (17.8 ppg, 5.8 apg) and freshman Nate Ament (15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg), while Arkansas is led by freshman Darius Acuff Jr. (18.8 ppg).
- The Volunteers carry a dominant glass profile with a plus-14.9 rebounding margin and rank among the nation’s best in offensive boards, powered by a deep frontcourt led by Felix Okpara and reserves J. P. Estrella and Jaylen Carey.
- Arkansas is 8-0 at home and seeks a stronger SEC start after last season’s 76-52 loss in the opener preceded an 0-5 conference skid.