Everything Coach Rick Barnes Said Following Tennessee’s Victory Over Mississippi State

The Tennessee Volunteers continued their strong run in the 2025 basketball season with a commanding victory over Mississippi State. The Vols dominated the game from start to finish, displaying solid defense, efficient offense, and excellent teamwork. Following the game, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes sat down for his post-game press conference to reflect on his team’s performance, discuss key moments, and offer insights into the team’s progress as the season moves forward.

Coach Barnes, known for his candid yet constructive approach to coaching, wasted no time in offering his thoughts on what contributed to the team’s success and the areas where they still have room for improvement. As Tennessee continues its quest for a top-tier finish in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Barnes’ insights were invaluable.

Here’s a breakdown of everything Coach Rick Barnes said following Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State.

On the Team’s Overall Performance

Barnes opened his comments by acknowledging the strong performance from his team, specifically praising their defense and offensive execution. He was particularly impressed with their ability to stay focused throughout the game, even when Mississippi State made attempts to rally in the second half.

“We were very locked in tonight,” Barnes said. “I thought our defense set the tone early. We did a great job of making it difficult for Mississippi State to get comfortable. We communicated well on the defensive end and moved the ball effectively on offense. We executed our game plan well, and that’s something we’ve really been focusing on.”

Barnes emphasized how important it is for his team to stay disciplined on both ends of the floor. Tennessee’s defense has long been a hallmark of Barnes’ coaching philosophy, and the Vols’ ability to shut down Mississippi State’s offensive sets was a testament to that. The defense was active, contesting shots, pressuring ball handlers, and forcing turnovers, all of which contributed to their dominant performance.

On Player Contributions

Barnes made it a point to single out individual players who made significant contributions to the team’s win. Tennessee had several standout performances, and Barnes was quick to praise his players for stepping up when needed.

“Zakai Zeigler did a great job controlling the tempo of the game,” Barnes said of his point guard. “He played with a lot of confidence tonight and really orchestrated the offense well. We’re asking a lot from him, but he’s up to the task. His vision on the court and his ability to make others better is key for us.”

Zeigler, a dynamic player known for his quickness and court vision, had a strong game, contributing in multiple areas. He scored efficiently, set up his teammates for easy buckets, and, as Barnes noted, played with the poise and leadership that the Vols rely on from their point guard.

Barnes also lauded the play of his forwards, particularly Jonas Aidoo and Olivier Nkamhoua, who provided much-needed scoring and rebounding to help keep Mississippi State at bay.

“Olivier Nkamhoua is really coming into his own,” Barnes said. “He’s playing with confidence, and that’s been big for us. He’s been more aggressive offensively, and we need that from him. Jonas Aidoo is a guy that gives us great energy, and his ability to block shots and protect the rim is so valuable to our defense.”

The play of the big men, especially in the paint, was crucial in stifling Mississippi State’s offensive attacks. Both Aidoo and Nkamhoua were key to Tennessee’s ability to defend the rim and secure important rebounds, limiting Mississippi State’s second-chance opportunities.

On Tennessee’s Defense

As expected, Barnes spent a good portion of his comments discussing Tennessee’s defense. The Vols have long been one of the top defensive teams in college basketball under Barnes, and it was no surprise to see them lock down Mississippi State, a team that relies on a balanced offense.

“I think we’re starting to understand that our defense is the engine that drives our success,” Barnes explained. “We’ve got to make teams uncomfortable, disrupt their rhythm, and force them into tough shots. Tonight, I thought we did that really well. We had multiple guys contributing defensively, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Barnes also highlighted Tennessee’s ability to limit Mississippi State’s key players. The Bulldogs rely on a few standout scorers to carry their offense, but the Vols’ defense was suffocating, making it difficult for Mississippi State to get easy looks. Barnes was pleased with how his team stuck to the game plan, rotating well on defense and sticking to assignments.

“Isaiah [Moss] did a great job guarding [Mississippi State’s top scorer],” Barnes noted. “He stayed disciplined, didn’t give up easy shots, and made it difficult for them to get the ball in their sweet spots. It’s the little things like that which are crucial in games like this.”

Tennessee’s defense forced 15 turnovers and limited Mississippi State to under 40% shooting from the field. Barnes was clearly satisfied with how his players executed their defensive schemes but also stressed the importance of continuing to improve in this area.

On Offensive Execution and Ball Movement

Barnes also took time to reflect on Tennessee’s offensive flow during the game. The Vols displayed a balanced offensive attack, sharing the ball effectively and getting contributions from multiple players.

“We talk about ball movement every day,” Barnes said. “It’s something that we’ve really been focusing on, and tonight, I thought we did a great job of moving the ball and getting open shots. We’re at our best when we’re unselfish with the basketball. We don’t need one guy to take over; it’s about playing as a unit.”

One area of improvement Barnes highlighted was Tennessee’s ability to maintain offensive spacing and work for good shots. Though they were successful in this game, Barnes noted that the Vols still need to refine their execution, particularly when facing high-pressure defenses.

“Sometimes, we can get a little stagnant and settle for bad shots. That’s something we’ve been working on, finding the right balance between attacking and being patient. Tonight was a step in the right direction, but we still need to be more consistent with that.”

Barnes also praised the play of Tennessee’s shooters, particularly the shooting guard duo of Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James. Vescovi hit key three-pointers when the team needed a spark, while James provided steady scoring in the mid-range. Both players’ contributions were vital to Tennessee’s offensive success.

On Handling the SEC Schedule

As Tennessee continues its journey through a tough SEC schedule, Barnes was asked about the challenges his team will face in the coming weeks. The SEC is known for its competitive basketball environment, with several teams vying for high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. Barnes acknowledged the importance of staying focused and maintaining consistency throughout the conference schedule.

“The SEC is a grind, and we know it’s not going to get any easier,” Barnes said. “But if we continue to play the way we did tonight, with a focus on defense and unselfish basketball, we can keep improving. There’s a lot of basketball left, and we have to keep getting better every day.”

Barnes also stressed the importance of leadership as the team navigates the challenges of the SEC season. “We need our veterans to keep stepping up and leading by example. When things get tough, they have to be the ones to remind us of what we’re capable of.”