Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (11/12/2026) — The Tennessee Volunteers held off a persistent Tennessee State Tigers squad, 83-78, in front of 18,145 fans at Food City Center on Thursday to open the 2026-27 men's basketball season.
Result
Tennessee survived a determined challenge from the in-state Tigers, who trailed by as many as 15 in the second half before rallying to make the final minutes tense. Despite a late Tennessee State push, the Volunteers maintained enough separation to secure the five-point win.
How It Happened
Tennessee State came out sharp, with Deondrea Lindsey's 26-foot three-pointer off an Aaron Bradshaw assist putting the Tigers up 3-0 within the opening minute. The teams traded baskets through the early going, with Dai Dai Ames connecting on three consecutive three-pointers — two assisted by Jalen Haralson — to give Tennessee its first lead at 13-11 with 11:29 remaining in the first half.
Tennessee State answered. Presley Patterson drilled a 23-footer off a Ty-Laur Johnson assist to reclaim the lead, and Arterio Morris followed with his own triple to push the Tigers' advantage to 21-16 at the 9:33 mark.
That's when Tennessee took control for good. Terrence Hill Jr. hit back-to-back three-pointers — a 25-footer and then a 30-footer from beyond center court — to swing the lead and ignite a 16-11 close to the half. Juke Harris's 24-footer and an Ajayi Simmons triple extended the cushion, and Braedan Lue's dunk with 59 seconds left made it 42-34. Aaron Bradshaw's buzzer-beating 28-footer cut the gap to 42-37 at the break, but Tennessee never trailed again.
The Volunteers came out of halftime with intent. Terrence Hill Jr. connected from 25 feet just 47 seconds into the second half to push the lead to double digits at 47-37. Jalen Haralson's dunk made it 51-40, Tyler Lundblade buried a 28-footer for 54-43, and a Braedan Lue dunk at 6:42 extended the cushion to 67-53.
Tennessee State refused to fold. Jayden Jones hit a 27-footer and Ajayi Simmons added another triple — both set up by Ty-Laur Johnson — to help the Tigers claw back from the game's largest deficit. The final margin of five reflected Tennessee State's resilience over the closing minutes, but the Volunteers' second-half command ultimately proved decisive.
Turning Point
The pivotal sequence arrived mid-first-half, when Terrence Hill Jr. hit back-to-back long-range shots in the span of 73 seconds to flip Tennessee from a 23-16 hole to a 26-23 lead. That momentum shift — capping an extended Tennessee burst — erased Tennessee State's command of the game and launched a 16-11 closing run that carried the Volunteers into halftime with the advantage and the edge in energy.
Star of the Game
Terrence Hill Jr. was Tennessee's catalyst from start to finish, finishing with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He hit three-pointers at critical junctures throughout — including back-to-back bombs in the first half and a 23-footer in the second half that pushed the lead to 70-55 — and consistently delivered when Tennessee needed a bucket. Jalen Haralson was equally vital, contributing 15 points on 4 assists and 3 rebounds while functioning as the Volunteers' primary offensive initiator. Tyler Lundblade added 14 off the bench.
For Tennessee State, Ty-Laur Johnson delivered a standout effort in defeat. The guard tallied 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, repeatedly creating offense for his teammates and keeping the Tigers in striking distance throughout. Jayden Jones chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds.
What It Means
Tennessee opens the season 1-0 with a home victory, though 17 turnovers and 43% shooting leave room for refinement before SEC play arrives. Four Volunteers reached double figures, signaling real offensive depth that will matter in a loaded conference schedule.
For Tennessee State, the showing underscores what the Tigers can offer this season. Johnson's 22-point, 7-assist night against high-major competition is a statement performance, and the Tigers' 45 rebounds — edging Tennessee's 43 — demonstrated physical capability that will carry weight in their own conference. The defeat stings, but Tennessee State gave the Volunteers all they could handle.
