UPDATE: The No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers stunned the No. 3 Houston Cougars with a thrilling 76-73 victory in the Players Era Championship held in Las Vegas on November 14, 2023. In a nail-biting finish, Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 22 points and made all six of his free throws in the final 35 seconds, showcasing clutch performance under pressure.
This decisive win avenges last season’s Elite Eight loss where Houston previously crushed Tennessee 69-50. The Volunteers improved their record to 7-0 while handing the Cougars their first defeat of the season, dropping them to 6-1.
Tennessee’s victory was propelled by significant contributions from Jaylen Carey, who added 13 points, and Bishop Boswell, who scored 10 points, including two critical free throws with just 25 seconds remaining. The Volunteers led for most of the game, executing a crucial 10-point run to take a 51-46 lead with just under 10 minutes left on the clock.
On the other side, Houston struggled offensively in the second half, going nearly 7:24 without scoring and missing 11 straight shots at one point. Kingston Flemings led the Cougars with 25 points, while Milos Uzan contributed 17 points. Uzan, returning to his hometown, missed a half-court shot at the buzzer that could have sent the game into overtime.
Houston’s Emanuel Sharp, who averages 17.7 points per game, faced foul trouble, limiting him to just 21 minutes of play. He finished with only 8 points, struggling to find his rhythm after picking up two fouls early in the first half.
This rematch not only highlights Tennessee’s resilience but also sets the stage for what’s to come in the college basketball season. Fans can expect heightened rivalry as both teams aim for dominance in upcoming matchups.
As the Volunteers celebrate this significant victory, all eyes will be on their next games as they seek to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, Houston will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further in the rankings. This game is a reminder of the intense competition in college basketball, making every matchup critical.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the latest in college basketball as the season progresses.