Tennessee Advances to Sweet 16 After Defeating Virginia

Vols will face Iowa State in the next round of the NCAA Tournament

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:39am

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Tennessee Basketball defeated 3-seed Virginia 79-72 on Sunday night to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Ja'Kobi Gillespie led the Vols with 21 points, while role players like Bishop Boswell, JP Estrella, Jaylen Carey, and Felix Okpara also made key contributions to the victory. Tennessee will now prepare to face 2-seed Iowa State in the next round in Chicago.

Why it matters

Tennessee's win over Virginia marks the program's continued success in the NCAA Tournament, as the Vols have now advanced to the Sweet 16. This run comes after the team clobbered Miami (OH) in the first round, showcasing their depth and balance as a squad. The Vols will now face a tough Iowa State team, providing an opportunity to further prove their tournament credentials.

The details

In the victory over Virginia, Tennessee received standout performances from several role players to complement Ja'Kobi Gillespie's team-high 21 points. Bishop Boswell hit three key 3-pointers in the first 16 minutes, while JP Estrella and Jaylen Carey combined for 20 points. Felix Okpara also pulled down a game-high 8 rebounds. It was a well-rounded effort that allowed the Vols to defeat the Cavaliers and advance to the Sweet 16.

  • Tennessee defeated Miami (OH) on Friday, March 22, 2026 to advance to the game against Virginia.
  • Tennessee defeated Virginia 79-72 on Sunday, March 24, 2026 to advance to the Sweet 16.
  • Tennessee will face Iowa State in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

The players

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

A key player for Tennessee, Gillespie led the team with 21 points in the win over Virginia.

Bishop Boswell

A role player for the Vols, Boswell hit three crucial 3-pointers in the first 16 minutes of the game against Virginia.

JP Estrella

A Tennessee player who combined with Jaylen Carey to score 20 points in the victory over the Cavaliers.

Jaylen Carey

Teamed up with JP Estrella to provide 20 points off the bench for the Vols against Virginia.

Felix Okpara

The Tennessee player who pulled down a game-high 8 rebounds in the win over the Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“It was a balanced, team-driven game from Tennessee that got the Vols to the finish line.”

— Ric Butler, RTI Reporter

What’s next

Tennessee will face 2-seed Iowa State in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

The takeaway

Tennessee's victory over Virginia showcased the depth and balance of the Vols' roster, as several role players stepped up to complement the team's star player Ja'Kobi Gillespie. This well-rounded effort allowed Tennessee to advance to the Sweet 16, where they will face a tough Iowa State squad. The Vols' tournament run continues to prove the team's credentials as a legitimate contender.