Tennessee basketball found itself in a dogfight Wednesday night in Athens, but the Vols showed grit, poise, and a whole lot of hustle to grind out an 86-85 overtime win over Georgia. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was exactly the kind of road win that can galvanize a team looking to build momentum in the heart of SEC play.
Let’s break down how the Vols pulled off their second straight road victory - and their first back-to-back wins in over a month - behind a gutsy performance from Ja'Kobi Gillespie and a dominant effort on the glass.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie Takes the Reins
Senior point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie stepped up when Tennessee needed him most. He poured in 21 points on 7-of-19 shooting, including four made threes, and added six assists and three rebounds.
This wasn’t a perfect shooting night by any stretch, but Gillespie’s ability to control the offense and hit timely shots was crucial. More than the stats, it was his composure in the extra period that helped the Vols escape Stegeman Coliseum with a win.
Gillespie’s performance was a reminder of what veteran leadership looks like in tight SEC battles. He didn’t force the issue - he just kept making the right plays, especially when the pressure ratcheted up late.
Rebounding: The Vols’ Secret Weapon
This game was won on the boards. Tennessee absolutely dominated the glass, out-rebounding Georgia 52-27.
That’s not a typo. The Vols nearly doubled up the Bulldogs in total rebounds and were relentless on the offensive end, pulling down 26 offensive boards and turning them into 24 second-chance points.
That kind of effort on the glass doesn’t just give you extra possessions - it wears down a defense and sets the tone physically. It was clear from the jump that Tennessee’s size and effort were going to be a problem for Georgia. And it was.
J.P. Estrella Rewards the Trust
After playing a pivotal role in the Vols’ win over Alabama, redshirt sophomore J.P. Estrella earned his second straight start - and he made the most of it. Estrella scored 17 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting and came just one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with nine boards - seven of them on the offensive glass.
Estrella’s energy and activity were difference-makers all night. He’s not just filling minutes - he’s impacting games. Rick Barnes gave him the nod, and Estrella responded with a performance that suggests he’s earning a permanent spot in the starting five.
Nate Ament and Bishop Boswell Step Up
It wasn’t just Gillespie and Estrella doing the heavy lifting. Freshman forward Nate Ament showed off his versatility, scoring 19 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out three assists. Ament continues to grow more confident with each game, and his ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble gives Tennessee an added dimension offensively.
Sophomore guard Bishop Boswell also chipped in with 13 points, giving the Vols four players in double figures. In a game that went down to the wire, Tennessee needed contributions from across the lineup - and they got them.
Early Struggles, Late Response
Despite dominating the glass in the first half - grabbing 15 offensive rebounds to Georgia’s three - Tennessee found itself trailing 34-28 at the break. The Vols took 10 more shots than the Bulldogs in the opening 20 minutes, but poor shooting kept them behind.
After starting 5-of-8 from the field, Tennessee hit just six of their next 27 shots to finish the half at 31% shooting. They also struggled from deep (2-of-11) and left points at the line (4-of-7).
Meanwhile, Georgia got a big lift from sophomore forward Kanon Catchings, who couldn’t miss in the first half. The nephew of Lady Vols legend Tamika Catchings, he poured in 14 points before halftime, hitting four of his five three-point attempts.
But Tennessee didn’t panic. They stuck to what was working - crashing the glass, sharing the ball, and defending with intensity. Eventually, the shots started falling, and the Vols clawed their way back into it.
What This Win Means
This wasn’t just a road win - it was a gut-check. Tennessee didn’t shoot well, they trailed at halftime, and they had to go to overtime in a hostile environment.
But they found a way to win. That’s the kind of performance that can spark a team in the middle of conference play.
At 14-6 overall and 4-3 in the SEC, the Vols are starting to find their rhythm. If they can continue to rebound like this and get balanced scoring from their core group, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone in the league.
And if Gillespie keeps playing with this kind of control and confidence? Look out.