Tennessee vs. Syracuse: Top 13 Hoops Central Showdown

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Tennessee vs. Syracuse: Top 13 Hoops Central Showdown

The No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team is gearing up for a significant matchup against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome. This game is part of the highly anticipated ACC/SEC Challenge. Tennessee enters the game with a 7-1 record, while Syracuse holds a 4-3 record. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+ or through local radio affiliates featuring the Vol Network.

Tennessee vs. Syracuse: A Competitive History

Historically, this series has been competitive. Tennessee started with a 1-3 record against Syracuse but has since turned the tide, winning four consecutive matchups since 2000 by an average of 15 points. The teams last met on November 20, 2023, where Tennessee triumphed 73-56 in Honolulu, followed by a 96-70 victory in Knoxville on December 3, 2024. This matchup marks the third consecutive year the teams are facing off.

Recent Performance and Rankings

Rick Barnes’ Success: Tennessee’s head coach Rick Barnes has achieved 187 wins against NCAA title-winning programs, 47 of which are with Tennessee.
Syracuse’s Struggles: After a disappointing 14-19 season, Syracuse was ranked ninth in the 2025-26 ACC preseason poll.
Top Performers: Donnie Freeman leads the Syracuse team with an average of 17.8 points per game, although he missed recent games due to injury.

Game Insights

Rick Barnes is poised to coach his 350th game for Tennessee during this matchup. With 843 career wins, he stands as the leading active coach in Division I and ranks ninth all-time among coaches with a minimum of ten years in the division.

Key Statistics

Tennessee has a strong historical record against current ACC teams, holding a 126-101 all-time record.
The Volunteers have consistently performed against ranked teams, leading Division I with 31 wins against AP top-25 opponents in the last five years.
In terms of defense, Tennessee ranks 13th nationally in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.

Players to Watch

Nate Ament: Ranked ninth among Division I freshmen in scoring with an average of 17.9 points per game.
Felix Okpara: Demonstrating improved shooting, he is currently 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, a notable increase from his early seasons.

As the Tennessee Volunteers and Syracuse Orange prepare to face off, fans can expect an exciting and competitive battle on the court. The outcomes will be significant for both teams as they continue to navigate their respective seasons.