Five things to remember from Tennessee’s victory over Arkansas
Play in the SEC began on Saturday with No. 1 Tennessee (14-0, 1-0 SEC). At Food City Center, the Vols defeated Arkansas (11-3, 0-1 SEC) 76-52.
The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll is included in the rankings. For the fourth straight week, the Vols hold the top spot in the rankings.
Tennessee’s next game is against Florida on Tuesday. The Vols and Gators will play their first game at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Florida, at 7 p.m. EST. The SEC game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
During the next week of SEC play, Tennessee will also visit Texas. At 6 p.m. EST on Saturday, the Vols and Longhorns will play (ESPN or ESPN2).
Here are five things to remember from Tennessee’s victory over Arkansas on Saturday, which kicked off SEC basketball competition.
The Razorbacks are in their first season under head coach John Calipari. Against Calipari, Rick Barnes has a 14–12 record overall, including a 12–10 record during the regular season. The Vols and Calipari met for the 39th time on Saturday. With a 17–22 record, Tennessee has faced Calipari more than any other coach currently in coaching.
Under Rick Barnes, the Vols had a 6-4 record in their SEC openers. Tennessee opened SEC competition with a 3-1 home record. The 2015–16 season was Barnes’ first season as head coach of Tennessee. At Tennessee, his record in SEC play is 101–61.
Tennessee has begun the 2024–25 basketball season 14-0, which is the second time the Vols have started a season with a 14-0 record. Additionally, Tennessee had a 14-0 start to the 1922–23 basketball season.
The Vols have won 14 straight games for the fourth time in their history, according to the University of Tennessee. Tennessee won 14 games in a row in 1922–23, 15 games in a row from 1914–15 to 1916–17, and 19 games in a row in 2018–19.
Igor Milicic Jr., a senior forward transfer, is playing his first season at Tennessee. Against Arkansas, Milicic Jr. pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds. In 36 minutes, he also scored 13 points and dished out five assists. He is the sixth player in the SEC and the fifth since 2005 to post 13 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists in a game, according to the University of Tennessee. The only player in league play to do so is Milicic Jr.
