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Jordan Gainey’s Buzzer-Beater Secures No. 1 Tennessee's Win Over Illinois

Tennessee extends its unbeaten streak to 10 games with a dramatic 66-64 victory in a tightly contested road matchup.

  • 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.
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