Tennessee Vols basketball defends its No. 1 ranking with Saturday's road game at Illinois. The Vols (9-0) play their second true road game of the season on Saturday. Over the last 11 days, the Vols have won games against Syracuse and Miami of the ACC.

In a physical, defensive-minded battle between Illinois (7-3) and No. 1 Tennessee (10-0) on Saturday in Champaign, the Volunteers prevailed 66-64, escaping the State Farm Center with their unblemished record compliments of a buzzer-beating layup from sixth man Jordan Gainey.

Darlinstone Dubar had five points and five rebounds, with two timely shots in critical moments, as Tennessee basketball overcame Illinois' attack.

Find out the Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Tennessee Vols men's basketball game betting odds, over/under and point spread for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.

The Illini had upset on their minds in leading for much of the game, but the Vols got the play they needed at the buzzer

Jordan Gainey scored 23 points to lift No. 1 Tennessee to a 66-64 win at Illinois to move to 10-0 this season.

The Big Ten needed it. Illinois couldn't get it done. So it goes. Purdue lost at home to Texas A&M on Saturday. Auburn slaughtered Ohio State 91-53 in Atlanta. Tennessee topped Illini. Goodness, the SEC is great. Goodness, the Big Ten is not.

Darlinstone Dubar did not play in Tennessee's win against Miami on Tuesday while in concussion protocol. He is expected to play against Illinois.