Tennessee keeps finding ways to win - and this time, it took every last second on the clock.
The Vols escaped Athens with a nail-biting 86-85 overtime victory over Georgia on Wednesday night, capping off back-to-back road wins after taking down Alabama just days earlier. These aren’t just any wins either - they’re the kind that build confidence, toughness, and maybe even something bigger down the stretch.
Let’s break it down.
Tennessee didn’t exactly come out firing, scoring just 28 points in the first half while Georgia jumped out to a six-point lead at the break. But the Vols flipped the switch in the second half, putting up 46 points and forcing overtime in a high-paced, back-and-forth battle. In the extra period, Tennessee added 12 more, just enough to edge out the Bulldogs, who scored 11 in OT.
The game came down to the final possession. Georgia trailed by three with seconds left and had a shot to tie it.
But instead of a three, Smurf Millender drove for a layup - a decision that left the Bulldogs still down by one with only 0.6 seconds remaining. Tennessee calmly inbounded the ball and sealed the win.
This was a game where Tennessee’s depth and balance really showed up. Four players hit double figures, with Ja’Kobi Gillespie leading the charge at 21 points. Nate Ament added 19, JP Estrella chipped in 17, and Bishop Boswell delivered a gritty double-double - 13 points and 10 rebounds - that helped steady the Vols through some tense stretches.
Boswell’s performance stood out not just for the numbers, but for the timing. He made key plays late, controlled the glass, and brought a level of poise that’s becoming more and more valuable for this team.
Now, Tennessee heads back to Knoxville riding a two-game road win streak and looking to keep that momentum rolling into Saturday night’s matchup with Auburn - a game that’s shaping up to be one of the SEC’s most intriguing showdowns this weekend.
After the win, head coach Rick Barnes, Boswell, and Estrella spoke to the media, reflecting on the tight finish and what it means for this team moving forward. The Vols are starting to show they can win in different ways - and that’s a trait every contender needs come March.