Tennessee
CHICAGO, Ill. (03/26/2026) — The Tennessee Volunteers showcased a dominant second-half performance, pulling away from the Iowa State Cyclones for a 76-62 victory Thursday night at the United Center. A balanced scoring attack and overwhelming control of the glass powered the Volunteers, as four players scored in double figures, led by 18 points from forward Nate Ament.
Tennessee's frontcourt duo of Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey combined for 23 points and 20 rebounds, establishing a physical advantage that Iowa State could not match.
How It Happened
The contest began as a tight, back-and-forth affair, with neither team establishing more than a two-possession lead in the first half. Iowa State struck first on a three-pointer from guard Tamin Lipsey just 38 seconds into the game. The teams traded baskets and the lead for the next 19 minutes, with Tennessee finding its offense through inside-out play.
Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey punished the Cyclones in the paint, combining for three dunks in a four-minute span midway through the half. Iowa State countered from the perimeter, with Killyan Toure and Milan Momcilovic connecting from deep to keep the game close. A late layup from Lipsey gave the Cyclones a brief 33-32 advantage with just over a minute remaining, but two free throws from Okpara sent the Volunteers into the locker room with a slim 34-33 lead.
Tennessee seized control immediately in the second half. Nate Ament drained a 25-foot three-pointer just 21 seconds after the break, sparking a decisive run. Guard Bishop Boswell followed with another three-pointer at the 17:04 mark, and a deep ball from Ja'Kobi Gillespie with 13:51 remaining pushed the Tennessee lead to 52-41. The Volunteers' defense stiffened, and their size advantage became evident as they dominated the boards, limiting Iowa State to one-shot possessions. Tennessee maintained a double-digit lead for most of the half, answering every Cyclones push with a timely basket, including a final three from Ament that extended the lead to 73-59 with under two minutes to play.
Turning Point
The first five minutes of the second half decided the game's outcome. Clinging to a one-point lead, Tennessee opened the period with an 11-4 run. The surge was ignited by back-to-back three-pointers from Nate Ament and Bishop Boswell. This offensive burst created a 44-37 cushion and forced Iowa State to play from behind for the remainder of the contest. The Cyclones never got closer than six points after that initial Tennessee push, which fundamentally changed the flow and momentum of the game.
Stars of the Game
While Nate Ament co-led the Volunteers with 18 points, the game was won in the paint by the tandem of Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey. Okpara recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the defense and finishing with authority at the rim. Carey was equally effective, posting his own double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and a team-high 4 assists. Their collective effort was the deciding factor, as Tennessee outrebounded Iowa State by a staggering 43-22 margin.
For the Cyclones, guards Tamin Lipsey and Nate Heise carried the offensive load, each scoring 18 points in the hard-fought effort.
What It Means
For the Tennessee Volunteers, the victory demonstrates a potent combination of perimeter shooting and interior force. With four players scoring in double figures and a dominant rebounding performance, they advance with a clear formula for success. The win secures their continuation in postseason play and builds momentum for their next matchup.
For the Iowa State Cyclones, the loss brings an end to their season. The team struggled to find consistent offense, shooting just 39% from the field and 22% from three-point range. While Lipsey and Heise provided scoring, the Cyclones were ultimately undone by Tennessee's size and second-half execution, unable to overcome the significant disadvantage on the boards.