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We turn the Starting Five preview to the women’s side today. In this feature, we’ll give you the anticipated starting lineups for each team, break down keys to a Missouri win and offer up a prediction

Here’s the breakdown of today’s game against No. 11 Tennessee

OFF THE BENCH: Freshman guard Anastasia Hayes will be Tennessee coach Holly Warlick’s go-to off the bench today. Hayes is averaging 9.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game for the Lady Vols. She also averages 24.3 minutes per game, which is 13 more minutes than the next bench player, Cheridene Green. The redshirt-junior forward averages 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. The Lady Vols will rely heavily on their starters, which could help Missouri later in the game.

OFF THE BENCH: Robin Pingeton’s squad has the upper hand in the bench game today. Jordan Chavis, Kayla Michael, Hannah Schuchts and Jordan Roundtree again will provide crucial minutes for the Tigers. Freshman Emmanuelle Tahane played a career-high 16 minutes against Auburn on Thursday, and even though she only scored two points, she was able be a consistent and calming factor for Missouri. The trust that Pingeton has in her bench players will go a long way in big games like today and come tournament time.

1. Minimize turnovers. The turnover margin has been a problem all season for Missouri, but especially the last couple of games. Auburn forced 24 on Thursday and scored 14 points off of turnovers. The good news is, Tennessee is averaging 17.1 turnovers per game – it gives the ball away very easily. This can be a game Missouri actually wins the turnover margin, but to do that, it’s going to have to handle the ball well itself.

2. Control Tennessee’s shooters. Tennessee is very athletic, and it shows in their up-tempo offense and what each player brings to the court. The Tigers need to control Rennia Davis and Meme Jackson beyond the arc, who shoot 32 and 38 percent respectively. Cierra Porter and Jordan Frericks will have their hands full with Mercedes Russell and Jaime Nared in the post. If the Tigers can make a few defensive stops, the Lady Vols could get flustered, and Missouri can capitalize on that.

3. Come out strong. The Lady Vols just lost to Alabama, and Alabama is not very good. Tennessee has been a little up and down. If the Tigers can start like they have the past two games against Arkansas and Auburn, they’ll wear out the Tennessee starters. All Missouri needs to do is not give away the lead to its opponent in the final minutes.

TIPOFF: 1 p.m. Central

TELEVISION: ESPNU

RADIO: Tiger Radio Network

This is a huge matchup, plain and simple No. 13 Missouri (21-5, 9-4 SEC) and No. 11 Tennessee (21-5, 9-4) are in a three-way tie for third in the SEC with Georgia – who Missouri lost to and Tennessee beat. This game is critical not only for the standings and seedings for the SEC Tournament later this month, but for the Tigers morale. They’re 2-3 against ranked opponents this season, but they’re talented enough to be at .500 if not better. A win today would give Missouri the momentum it needs to be conference title contender. This is a big game, and the Tigers are known for coming up clutch at home for big games. I don’t think today will be different. If you’re a fan of good basketball, you should be at Mizzou Arena this Sunday.

PREDICTION: Missouri 73, Tennessee 69

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sophie Cunningham will do Sophie Cunningham things and score 23 points, grab six rebounds and have five assists