Jordan Gainey helps No. 1 Tennessee survive upset bid from Illinois

Gainey came off the bench for the Vols and had 23 points and the game-winner. Gainey transferred from USC Upstate after the 2022-23 season and has found a home as a sixth man/role player for Tennessee.

He averages 10.3 points per game and will be an instrumental part of the rest of the season for Tennessee.

The only other Tennessee player in double figures was Chaz Lanier, who finished with 17 points despite a poor shooting night in which he went 5-of-17 from the field. 

It was an all-around off-shooting night for both sides. Tennessee shot 32.3% from the field and 25% from three-point range. Illinois was worse in both, shooting 29.4% from the field and 17.4% from three.

Despite the poor shooting night, Tennessee still found a way to come away with a win.

On the other hand, Illinois has to feel like they let this one slip away. The Fighting Illini scored just four points over the final 3:40 of game time and missed the front end of two free throws that would have given them the lead.

Kasparas Jakucionis was a bright spot, scoring 22 points, collecting three rebounds and dishing out two assists.

Tennessee has three remaining games (Western Carolina, Middle Tennessee and Norfolk State) before opening SEC play against Arkansas in January.