Tennessee Volunteers Defeat Rice Owls 91-66 in Home Opener

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team dominated the Rice Owls with a 91-66 victory at Food City Center on Monday night, November 17, 2025. This win improved the Volunteers’ season record to 4-0.

Senior forward Felix Okpara led the way for No. 20/17 Tennessee with a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds. The Volunteers not only continued their perfect start but also extended their non-conference home game winning streak to 40.

Tennessee wasted no time, jumping out to a 21-9 lead midway through the first half. The Owls struggled to find their rhythm, missing eight consecutive shots as the Volunteers capitalized on their defensive efforts. Rice’s leading scorer, graduate guard Tre Broadnax, failed to score in the first half and ended the game with just five points.

After a slow start, Rice trimmed the deficit to five points but could not maintain the momentum. Tennessee went on a 9-2 run to regain control of the game, extending their lead to 48-31 shortly after halftime. They eventually led by as many as 26 points.

Two more Volunteers joined Okpara in double digits. Freshman forward Ament finished with 19 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, marking his first collegiate double-double. Senior guard Jalen Smith also contributed significantly with 17 points and a game-high eight assists.

The Volunteers dominated the paint, outscoring Rice 52-16 in that category, and they collected 18 offensive rebounds. Tennessee shot 52.3 percent from the field, further enhancing their efficient offensive display.

Tennessee’s head coach Rick Barnes secured his 840th career victory, solidifying his status as the winningest active coach in Division I basketball. The Volunteers will aim to continue their winning streak as they host Tennessee State on Thursday, November 20, 2025.