Jordan Gainey scored on a driving layup as time expired and finished with a career-high 23 points, lifting No. 1 Tennessee to a 66-64 victory over Illinois on Saturday in Champaign.
After Illinois tied the game at 64 on the second of two free throws by Kasparas Jakučionis with 5.7 seconds left, Gainey took control. The senior guard inbounded the ball to Igor Miličić Jr., got it back and raced three-quarters the length of the court and scored over Jakučionis as time ran out.
Chaz Lanier scored 17 points for Tennessee (10-0) before fouling out with 3:42 left. Miličić had 14 rebounds and a key steal and dunk with 1:32 remaining that put the Vols up 64-62.
Tennessee has won its first 10 games in a season for the first time in 25 years.
Jakučionis scored 22 points for Illinois (7-3). Tre White had 11 points and Kylan Boswell and Will Riley added 10 apiece.
The Illini fell to 3-23 all time versus No. 1-ranked teams.
Tennessee led 31-30 at halftime and finished 20 of 28 from the line. Illinois hit 30 of 36 free-throw tries.
Up next
Tennessee: Plays host to Western Carolina on Tuesday.
Illinois: Takes on Missouri on Dec. 22 in St. Louis.
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