Kansas Jayhawks Defeat Tennessee Volunteers 81-76
Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · MGM Grand Garden Arena
Kansas Jayhawks 81, Tennessee Volunteers 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Kansas Jayhawks vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Kansas Jayhawks beat Tennessee Volunteers 81-76 at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 26, 2025.
Who was favored in Kansas Jayhawks vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the Kansas Jayhawks edged out the Tennessee Volunteers with a final score of 81-76. This victory is significant as it showcases Kansas's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially against a strong opponent like Tennessee. The Jayhawks improved their record to 7-3, while the Volunteers fell to 9-2.
Both teams entered the game with impressive recent form. The Volunteers had a record of 9-1 over their last ten games, boasting a seven-game winning streak prior to this contest. They averaged 84.1 points scored per game while allowing 66.5 points. In their last five games, Tennessee scored an average of 88.0 points while allowing just 65.0.
On the other hand, the Jayhawks were also in good shape with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 78.7 points scored and allowed 69.8 points during that stretch. In their last five games, Kansas scored an average of 72.2 points while allowing 60.4.
When evaluating their home and away performances, Tennessee had a perfect home record of 7-0, while Kansas struggled on the road with an away record of 0-3. This game was particularly important for Kansas to prove their mettle outside of their home arena.
The matchup was also notable given the teams' previous encounters. While the block did not provide specific details about past meetings, the stakes were high as both teams aimed to establish dominance early in the season.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing for either team, indicating that both squads were likely at full strength, which added to the competitive nature of the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Tennessee favored by 7.5 points with a total set at 140.5. The odds for the over and under were both listed at -110. Tennessee's moneyline was -340, while Kansas's was at 270, reflecting the expectation that Tennessee would win.
Game conditions were standard for a basketball matchup, with no extraordinary weather or venue issues reported. However, the atmosphere in the MGM Grand Garden Arena was likely charged with excitement as fans gathered to witness this high-stakes game.
As the game unfolded, Kansas managed to pull away in the second half, making crucial free throws and plays that secured their victory. Key scoring plays included Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller making critical free throws, contributing to the Jayhawks' late-game surge. Jaylen Carey also made a significant layup, and Ja'Kobi Gillespie hit a jumper that helped seal the win.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit of college basketball, with both teams showcasing their strengths and strategies. The Kansas Jayhawks' ability to execute in clutch moments ultimately led them to victory, while the Tennessee Volunteers will look to rebound in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -7.5 | 140.5 o -110 / u -110 | Kansas Jayhawks +270 · Tennessee Volunteers -340 |
Leaders
- PointsNate Ament20Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJaylen Carey4Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsJaylen Carey10Tennessee Volunteers
- PointsMelvin Council Jr.17Kansas Jayhawks
- AssistsMelvin Council Jr.4Kansas Jayhawks
- ReboundsBryson Tiller8Kansas Jayhawks
Recent form
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W784.1 scored · 66.5 allowed per game7-0 at home
- W76-73at Houston CougarsNov 25
- W85-60vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 24
- W89-60vs Tennessee State TigersNov 21
- W91-66vs Rice OwlsNov 18
- W99-66vs North Florida OspreysNov 13
- W95-56vs Northern Kentucky NorseNov 8
- W76-61vs Mercer BearsNov 4
- L77-86at Florida GatorsMar 16
- W70-65at Auburn TigersMar 15
- W83-72vs Texas LonghornsMar 14
Kansas Jayhawks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W278.7 scored · 69.8 allowed per game0-3 away
- W71-60vs Syracuse OrangeNov 25
- W71-61vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 24
- L66-78at Duke Blue DevilsNov 19
- W76-57vs Princeton TigersNov 15
- W77-46vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersNov 12
- L74-87at North Carolina Tar HeelsNov 8
- W94-51vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 4
- L77-88at Arizona WildcatsMar 14
- W98-94vs UCF KnightsMar 13
- W83-76vs Arizona WildcatsMar 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Kansas Jayhawks | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-57 | 26-63 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 7-17 | 7-25 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 28 |
| Free throws | 26-30 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 24 |
| Assists | 12 | 13 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 8 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 32 |
| Fouls | 16 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-55Nate Ament made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-55Elmarko Jackson made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half47-55Elmarko Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half48-55Elmarko Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-55Elmarko Jackson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Melvin Council Jr..
- 2nd Half51-56Jaylen Carey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-59Ja'Kobi Gillespie made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Bishop Boswell.
- 2nd Half53-59Elmarko Jackson made Jumper.
- 2nd Half54-59Elmarko Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-59Melvin Council Jr. made Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-60J.P. Estrella made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-61Nate Ament made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-62Nate Ament made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-62Melvin Council Jr. made Layup. Assisted by Flory Bidunga.
- 2nd Half59-62Melvin Council Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-62Melvin Council Jr. made Jumper.
- 2nd Half62-62Melvin Council Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-64Ja'Kobi Gillespie made Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-64Melvin Council Jr. made Layup.
- 2nd Half66-64Paul Mbiya made Layup.
- 2nd Half68-64Elmarko Jackson made Layup.
- 2nd Half68-65Nate Ament made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-66Nate Ament made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half71-66Jamari McDowell made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half72-66Melvin Council Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half72-68Ja'Kobi Gillespie made Jumper.
- 2nd Half73-68Flory Bidunga made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half74-68Bryson Tiller made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-68Bryson Tiller made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-70Jaylen Carey made Layup.
- 2nd Half75-71Bishop Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-72Bishop Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-72Flory Bidunga made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-72Flory Bidunga made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-72Bryson Tiller made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half79-72Bryson Tiller made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half79-74Jaylen Carey made Layup.
- 2nd Half80-74Elmarko Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-74Elmarko Jackson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-76Ja'Kobi Gillespie made Jumper.
Win probability
Above the line favours Tennessee Volunteers, below favours Kansas Jayhawks.
Venue
- MGM Grand Garden ArenaLas Vegas, NV
- Attendance3947
- OfficialsDon Daily, Chance Moore, Tommy Morrissey
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond