HIGHLIGHTS: No. 1 Vols 66, Illinois 64 (Dec. 14, 2024)

Описание: In its first-ever non-conference true road game as the top-ranked team in America, Tennessee battled through foul trouble to knock off Illinois, 66-64.

Senior guard Jordan Gainey not only clinched the victory with a buzzer-beating layup, but also poured in a game-high 23 points, his most in two seasons as a Volunteer, for top-ranked Tennessee (10-0). He scored 18 of his points in the final 14 minutes in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,544 at State Farm Arena.

After conceding the go-ahead basket with 4:55 on the countdown, Tennessee did not allow another field goal the rest of the game and gave up just four total points in that stretch, culminating with its first buzzer-beating win in over five years.

Gainey shot 6-of-14 from the floor, including 3-of-6 beyond the arc, and 8-of-9 at the free-throw line, tying his career high in both makes and attempts from the stripe. He played point guard for nearly the entire second half, due to Zeigler's early fouls, yet ended the contest with zero turnovers.

Chaz Lanier posted 17 points in the triumph, while Igor Miličić had seven to go along with a game-best 14 rebounds. He pulled down nine of his boards in the first 12 minutes alone.