If you’re checking the scoreboard and asking did the tennessee vols win today, the answer is a bit of a gut punch for the Big Orange faithful.
The short version? No.
The No. 24 Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team just suffered one of those "how did that happen?" losses at the Food City Center. They didn't just lose; they let a massive 17-point lead slip through their fingers in an 80-78 heartbreaker against the Kentucky Wildcats. Honestly, it was a weird afternoon in Knoxville. For about 38 minutes of that game, it felt like the Vols had it in the bag. Then, the wheels just sort of fell off.
Breaking Down the Heartbreak: Did the Tennessee Vols Win Today?
Usually, when Rick Barnes has a team up by double digits at home, it's lights out. But Saturday, January 17, 2026, was different. Tennessee jumped out to a 42-31 lead at halftime. Ja’Kobi Gillespie was playing like a man possessed, dropping 24 points and keeping the offense humming. At one point, the lead ballooned to 17.
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But Kentucky's Denzel Aberdeen had other plans. He scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half, spearheading a comeback that silenced the sellout crowd.
The final sequence was pure chaos. With 2.6 seconds left and the Vols trailing by two, Gillespie went to the line for a free throw. He missed it on purpose—classic move to try and get an offensive rebound and a putback—and Jaylen Carey actually snagged the board. But his attempt to tie it at the buzzer was smothered by a wall of blue jerseys.
The game ended with some literal pushing and shoving near the Tennessee bench. It was heated. It was frustrating. And it left the Vols sitting at 12-6 overall and 2-3 in the SEC.
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Why the Vols Struggled Down the Stretch
- The Second Half Slump: Tennessee was outscored 49-36 in the final 20 minutes.
- Foul Trouble: The Vols picked up four quick personal fouls in the first 90 seconds of the second half, which messed with their defensive rhythm.
- Late Game Lead: Tennessee led for 38 minutes and 42 seconds. Kentucky led for exactly 34 seconds. Unfortunately, those were the only seconds that mattered.
A Look at the Lady Vols: Success in Tuscaloosa
While the men's team was licking their wounds, the Lady Vols were actually busy taking care of business. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Kim Caldwell’s squad headed down to Alabama to face the No. 21 Crimson Tide.
If you were asking did the tennessee vols win today regarding the women's team, the vibe is much more positive. They’ve been on a tear lately, coming off a dominant 85-50 win over Arkansas. They are currently 4-0 in SEC play and look like they might be the real deal this season.
The contrast between the two programs right now is pretty wild. The men are fighting to stay relevant in the Top 25, while the women are surging toward the top of the conference standings.
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What’s Next for Tennessee Basketball?
The men's team has a week to think about this one. They don't play again until next Saturday, when they have a massive road test against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Rick Barnes has been vocal about the team's need for "consistency," a word every Vols fan is tired of hearing but one that remains painfully accurate.
On the recruiting front, it's not all bad news. While the basketball game was a letdown, the football program actually picked up some steam this weekend. They secured a commitment from transfer running back Javin Gordon from Tulane and hosted a visit for a potential new quarterback.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with the rollercoaster that is Tennessee sports this week, here is how to stay informed without losing your mind:
- Watch the Lady Vols Replay: If the men's loss has you down, go back and watch the highlights from the Arkansas game or the Alabama matchup. Kim Caldwell’s high-pressure system is genuinely fun to watch.
- Monitor the AP Poll: Expect the men's team to slide or potentially drop out of the Top 25 this Monday.
- Circle January 24: That’s the next chance for the men to redeem themselves against Alabama. It’s a 7:30 PM CST tip-off on ESPN.
The reality is that being a Vols fan involves a lot of "almosts" lately. But with the Lady Vols dominating and football recruiting heating up, the sun still comes up over Rocky Top—even after a collapse against Kentucky.