Overview

• Jordan Gainey scored a career-high 23 points, including a coast-to-coast layup at the buzzer, to lift Tennessee over Illinois 66-64.
• Tennessee's defense held Illinois to 29% shooting, while Igor Milicic contributed 14 rebounds and a key steal late in the game.
• The Volunteers overcame an 8-0 deficit and multiple lead changes in a physical game marked by frequent fouls and low shooting percentages.
• Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis led his team with 22 points but missed a critical free throw in the final seconds, setting up Gainey’s heroics.
• Tennessee improves to 10-0 for the first time in 25 years and is expected to retain its No. 1 AP ranking after the hard-fought win.