Tennessee beats No. 3 Houston, 76-73

Tennessee just knocked off one of the best teams in the country, beating Houston down the stretch to win 76-73. The win puts the Volunteers into the running for the title game, but that will be determined later tonight with the remainder of the outcomes.

Tennessee fell behind early on, but never lost touch with Houston. The Cougars would eventually lead by 11 points, but the fight never stopped from the Volunteers. J.P. Estrella gave Tennessee some big early points, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie was on it all night long. Jaylen Carey scored multiple big buckets in the paint, coming away with finish after finish to keep the Vols close.

Tennessee trailed by just four points at halftime.

Kingston Flemings, the outstanding freshman for Houston, nailed a three to get Houston going out of the halftime break. A team effort from the Volunteers would have them back within one point, with Estrella, Boswell, and Okpara all hitting shots.

Estrella would give Tennessee the lead at 47-46 with 12:32 to play. The Volunteers would control from there. The game never got out of hand, but Tennessee had that look to them. Gillespie was locked in and really carried Tennessee, with some big contributions from Boswell and Carey.

Tennessee maintained a 2-6 point advantaged throughout the second half, stiff-arming every Houston attempt to come back. Houston would get it down to two points multiple times in the closing minutes, but Boswell and Gillespie made all the clutch free throws to close it out. Kingston Fleming did everything possible to win it for the Cougars, but the Volunteers executed too well down the stretch.

Tennessee went on to win, 76-73.

We now wait to see what awaits the Vols next.