Tennessee Basketball Suffers First Knoxville Loss to Vanderbilt Since 2017

Vols' SEC Tournament hopes take hit with 86-82 defeat on senior day

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers basketball team lost to the No. 22 Vanderbilt Commodores 86-82 in their final regular season game, marking Vanderbilt's first win in Knoxville since 2017. Tennessee was without injured star Nate Ament and struggled with senior guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie's off night, but freshman Amari Evans had a career-best performance. The Vols will now start the SEC Tournament in the second round after missing out on a double bye.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for Tennessee's postseason hopes, as they were hoping to secure a double bye for the SEC Tournament. The Vols will now have to play an extra game to reach the quarterfinals. The defeat also snaps Tennessee's home dominance over Vanderbilt, who had not won in Knoxville since 2017.

The details

Tennessee trailed by as many as 17 points but repeatedly cut Vanderbilt's lead to single digits. They had a chance to win in the final minute but could not capitalize. Freshman Amari Evans had a career-high 24 points, but the Vols struggled with Ja'Kobi Gillespie's 5-of-22 shooting and five turnovers. Tennessee controlled the offensive glass and turnover battle but could not convert those advantages into enough points.

  • The game was played on March 7, 2026, the final regular season game for both teams.
  • Tennessee will start the SEC Tournament in Nashville with a second-round game on March 12.

The players

Nate Ament

Tennessee's injured star player who missed the game with a high ankle sprain.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

Tennessee's senior guard who struggled, finishing with 17 points on 5-of-22 shooting and five turnovers.

Amari Evans

Tennessee's freshman guard who had a career-high 24 points in his second start, replacing the injured Ament.

J.P. Estrella

Tennessee's redshirt sophomore forward who had 20 points and 10 rebounds, getting going in the second half.

Felix Okpara

Tennessee's center who combined with Estrella for just 2 points in the first half against Vanderbilt.

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What they’re saying

“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

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.