Tennessee Basketball Wins Overtime Thriller Against Georgia

Volunteers overcome late-game drama to defeat Bulldogs in Athens

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 86-85 in overtime on Wednesday night after a wild finish in regulation. Tennessee overcame a slow start and a controversial no-call late in the second half to force overtime, where they held on for the victory and their fourth SEC win of the season.

Why it matters

This hard-fought win on the road against a conference rival keeps Tennessee in the hunt for a top spot in the SEC standings. The Volunteers have now won two SEC games in a row, a positive sign as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

Tennessee struggled in the first half, shooting just 31% from the field and 18% from three-point range. However, they dominated the boards, out-rebounding Georgia 35-25 in the opening period. In the second half, the game went back-and-forth, with a controversial no-call on a potential foul late in regulation leading to Georgia tying the game and sending it to overtime. In the extra period, Tennessee maintained its lead and held on for the victory despite some late missed free throws.

  • The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed to Wednesday night.
  • Tennessee and Georgia were tied 73-73 at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.

The players

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team.

Mike White

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs men's basketball team.

J.P Estrella

A Tennessee player who made his first start of the season and had 6 points and 5 rebounds in the first half.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

A Tennessee player who led the team with 21 points, including a key defensive play late in regulation.

Bishop Boswell

A Tennessee player who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Tennessee will wrap up play in January on Saturday as the Vols host Auburn. It will be the first time Tennessee has played in Knoxville since the Kentucky loss.

The takeaway

This hard-fought win on the road against a conference rival keeps Tennessee in the hunt for a top spot in the SEC standings, as the Volunteers have now won two SEC games in a row, a positive sign as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.