If you turned off the TV when the Tennessee Vols basketball score looked like a disaster in the first half against Texas A&M, honestly, you've got some explaining to do. This wasn't just a game; it was a 50-minute stress test that basically aged every fan in Thompson-Boling Arena by about five years. On Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, the #24 Volunteers managed to claw their way to an 87-82 victory in double overtime.
It was ugly early. Like, really ugly.
Rick Barnes’ squad started the night hitting just 3 of their first 17 shots. You could feel the air leave the building. At one point, they were down by 11 points, and the "Bucky Ball" style from Texas A&M coach Bucky McMillan was making life miserable for the Vols' backcourt. But somehow, through sheer grit and a massive 60-35 rebounding advantage, Tennessee found a way to win.
Breaking Down the Wild Tennessee Vols Basketball Score
The final 87-82 result doesn't even begin to describe the swings in this one. This was the first time in a decade that Tennessee has been pushed to a double-overtime scenario. It’s the kind of game that either breaks a team or builds the kind of "Tournament Toughness" Rick Barnes always talks about.
🔗 Read more: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
Here is the flow of how we actually got to that final score:
- Halftime: Texas A&M 34, Tennessee 30.
- End of Regulation: 71-71. Ja’Kobi Gillespie had a look at a three-pointer to win it, but it just wouldn't go.
- End of 1st Overtime: 75-75. Freshman sensation Nate Ament nearly ended it with a 10-foot jumper that literally rattled around the rim before falling off.
- Final (2OT): Tennessee 87, Texas A&M 82.
The story of the night was Nate Ament. This kid is special. He finished with 23 points, and 10 of those came during the two overtime periods. When the game was on the line and everyone else looked gassed, Ament looked like he was just getting started. He’s currently averaging about 14.9 points per game, but after this performance, expect that number to climb as Barnes puts more of the offensive load on his shoulders.
The Stats That Actually Mattered
Everyone looks at the points, but the rebounding was the real reason the Tennessee Vols basketball score tipped in their favor. Felix Okpara and Bishop Boswell were monsters on the glass. Okpara grabbed 12 rebounds to go with his 10 points, while Boswell—who is only a sophomore—put up a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
💡 You might also like: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
You don't usually see a team get outrebounded 60 to 35 and stay in the game. Texas A&M did it by shooting 35% from the three-point line in the first half, but Tennessee’s length eventually wore them down.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie was the engine, as usual. He played 32 minutes and dropped 18 points. Even when his shot wasn't falling perfectly, his 5.5 assists per game average held steady as he found ways to feed the post when the perimeter was locked down.
Why This Win Changes the SEC Outlook
Coming into this game, Tennessee was sitting at 12-5 overall and a somewhat shaky 1-2 in the SEC. A loss here would have been devastating for their seeding in the SEC tournament. Now, they're 2-2 in the conference and looking much more like the team that was ranked in the top 10 earlier in the season.
📖 Related: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
The Aggies came in with a six-game winning streak and left with their first conference loss. That matters. It proves that despite the departure of several key veterans from last year's Elite Eight run, the culture in Knoxville hasn't shifted.
- Defense remains the identity. Holding a high-octane team to zero field goals in the final minutes of double OT is classic Barnes.
- The Freshman Factor. Nate Ament isn't just a "prospect" anymore; he's the closer.
- Bench Depth. Troy Henderson didn't play a ton of minutes, but his impact was felt when the starters needed a breather.
What most people get wrong about this Tennessee team is thinking they are "down" because they aren't blowing teams out by 30. Honestly, this roster is built for the grind. They aren't as flashy as the 2024 team, but they are significantly more physical.
What to Watch For Next
The Vols have a quick turnaround. They’ll need to recover from the 50 minutes of action before heading into their next SEC matchup. The key will be seeing if J.P. Estrella and Jaylen Carey can continue to provide that interior presence. Carey cleaned up a crucial missed shot in the second overtime that basically sealed the deal, showing that the "garbage man" points are just as important as the flashy dunks.
If you're tracking the Tennessee Vols basketball score for betting or bracketology, keep an eye on their free-throw shooting. They struggled at times on Tuesday, and in a one-possession game in March, that will come back to haunt them.
Next Steps for Vols Fans:
- Check the updated AP Poll on Monday; this win should help Tennessee stay firmly in the Top 25 (they've now been ranked for 90 consecutive weeks).
- Watch the film on Nate Ament's overtime performance—his footwork in the paint is becoming elite.
- Monitor the injury report for any lingering fatigue issues after such a long game before the trip to Tuscaloosa or wherever the next road test leads.