Vols Survive Georgia in Overtime Thriller, Rick Barnes Earns 850th Career Win
Tennessee men’s basketball gutted out a wild one in Athens on Wednesday night, edging Georgia 86-85 in overtime to secure back-to-back road wins and give head coach Rick Barnes his 850th career victory. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was gritty-and it showed just how deep and resilient this Tennessee squad can be when tested.
Let’s break it down.
Gillespie Leads the Charge
Ja’Kobi Gillespie was the engine all night. The sophomore guard poured in 21 points, including four threes, and hit big shots in key moments that kept Tennessee afloat when the game looked like it might slip away. He had the ball in his hands with the clock winding down in regulation and nearly played hero, but his last-second shot rimmed out, sending the game to overtime.
Still, Gillespie’s poise, shot-making, and ability to create in tight windows were crucial-especially with the Vols struggling to convert early on.
Estrella and Boswell Step Up Big
J.P. Estrella is making the most of his opportunity in the starting lineup.
The freshman forward notched 17 points and nine rebounds-just one board shy of a double-double-for his second straight strong performance. He was active on both ends and made a statement in overtime, scoring back-to-back buckets to help Tennessee regain control.
Bishop Boswell added a double-double of his own with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and his timely three in the second half helped swing momentum back in Tennessee’s favor. These two young players are showing they’re ready for the moment, and that’s big for a Vols team still figuring out who its go-to guys are down the stretch.
Ament’s Versatility Shines
Nate Ament was everywhere. The versatile forward dropped 19 points and grabbed six boards, including a clutch three-pointer in overtime that gave Tennessee its largest lead of the extra period. His ability to stretch the floor and finish inside gave Georgia fits all night.
A Tale of Two Halves
Tennessee came out aggressive on the glass in the first half, pulling down 25 rebounds-including 15 on the offensive end-but couldn’t buy a bucket. The Vols shot just 31 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, and despite dominating the boards, they trailed 34-28 at the break.
Georgia, on the other hand, was lights out early, shooting 52 percent from the field and knocking down four threes before halftime. Kanon Catchings and Blue Cain provided the early firepower, and Marcus Millender’s buzzer-beater gave the Bulldogs a six-point cushion heading into the locker room.
Second-Half Surge
The Vols came out swinging in the second half, tying the game at 45 with a trio of threes-two from Gillespie and one from Boswell. Gillespie’s layup shortly after gave Tennessee its first lead since the early minutes, but Georgia wouldn’t go away.
Freshman Amari Evans made a brief but impactful appearance, forcing a steal and scoring a go-ahead layup in a flash of energy off the bench. From there, it was a back-and-forth slugfest.
With under two minutes to play, Estrella’s inside scoring kept Tennessee ahead, but Georgia kept answering. Millender’s late layup tied it at 76 with just three seconds left, and Gillespie’s last-second attempt wouldn’t fall, sending the game to OT.
Closing It Out in OT
Tennessee struck first in the extra period with Estrella and Ament leading the charge. Ament’s three gave the Vols a five-point cushion, but Georgia punched back with two quick buckets. Estrella and Boswell combined for three clutch free throws to stretch the lead again, and while Georgia hit another triple to make it a one-possession game, Felix Okpara’s late free throw sealed the deal.
The Vols finished the game with a massive 52-27 rebounding edge-an effort that ultimately helped them survive despite shooting struggles and late-game drama.
What’s Next?
Tennessee returns home to host Auburn on Saturday night at Food City Center. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. After two tough road wins, the Vols are starting to find their rhythm-and the young core is growing up fast.