Tennessee Routs Oklahoma in Knoxville

Vols cruise to 89-66 victory behind career-high 29 points from Nate Ament

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Tennessee Basketball earned its third straight win with an 89-66 victory over Oklahoma on Wednesday night in Knoxville. Freshman wing Nate Ament dropped a career-high 29 points, while the Vols' trio of big men - Felix Okpara, DeWayne Brown, and Jaylen Carey - combined for 37 points. Ja'Kobi Gillespie also set a new single-game program record with 8 steals.

Why it matters

This win continues Tennessee's strong start to the season and showcases the depth of their roster, with multiple players stepping up in the absence of injured center JP Estrella. The Vols' ability to pull away late against a tough Oklahoma team is an encouraging sign as they look to build momentum heading into conference play.

The details

Tennessee jumped out to a big lead in the first half and maintained control for most of the game, despite a few runs by Oklahoma in the second half. Ament led the way offensively, while the Vols' trio of big men provided a strong presence in the paint. Gillespie's 8 steals were a major factor in Tennessee's defensive effort.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The players

Nate Ament

A Tennessee freshman wing who scored a career-high 29 points in the win.

Felix Okpara

One of Tennessee's big men who scored 18 points in the absence of injured center JP Estrella.

DeWayne Brown

Another of Tennessee's big men who scored 13 points in the win.

Jaylen Carey

The third of Tennessee's big men who scored 7 points in the victory.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

The Tennessee guard who set a new single-game program record with 8 steals.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee put its foot on the gas, though, finishing the game on a 21-4 run and cruising to victory.”

— Ric Butler, RTI Reporter (rockytopinsider.com)

What’s next

Tennessee will look to continue its strong start to the season as they prepare for their next game against a conference opponent.

The takeaway

Tennessee's depth and balanced scoring attack proved too much for Oklahoma, as the Vols cruised to a comfortable victory. The performance of their big men and Ament's career night are positive signs for Tennessee as they aim to build momentum heading into conference play.