Tennessee Edges Georgia in Overtime Thriller
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Stegeman Coliseum
Tennessee Volunteers 86, Georgia Bulldogs 85, 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 Tennessee Volunteers vs Georgia Bulldogs?
Tennessee Volunteers beat Georgia Bulldogs 86-85 at Stegeman Coliseum on January 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Tennessee Volunteers vs Georgia Bulldogs?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling overtime finish, the Tennessee Volunteers narrowly defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 86-85 at Stegeman Coliseum. This matchup was significant not only for the close score but also for its implications in the NCAAB standings, as both teams are vying for favorable positioning in their conference. The Volunteers improved their record to 15-6, while the Bulldogs fell to 16-6.
Tennessee entered the game with a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, currently riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 79-73. They averaged 81.5 points scored and allowed 72.6 points during this stretch. Their away record was less impressive at 1-2, but they had shown resilience, particularly in their last game. Georgia, on the other hand, had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, albeit with a recent loss to the Texas Longhorns (67-87). The Bulldogs averaged 88.6 points scored and 82.4 points allowed in their last ten games, highlighting their offensive prowess but also their defensive vulnerabilities.
At home, Georgia had a solid record of 5-1, while Tennessee's away struggles were evident in their 1-2 record. This dynamic added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Georgia sought to leverage their home-court advantage against a Tennessee team looking to prove themselves on the road.
In their previous meeting during the 2025 season, Tennessee had bested Georgia 74-56, which added to the stakes of this contest. The Bulldogs were looking to avenge that loss, but the Volunteers' recent form suggested they would be a tough opponent.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any player absences, which meant both teams were likely at full strength for this critical game. The market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings listing Tennessee as a 1.5-point favorite. The total for the game was set at 157.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The odds for the moneyline were -105 for Georgia and -115 for Tennessee, further underscoring the tight nature of the contest.
The game itself was marked by intense back-and-forth play, with Georgia initially holding a slight edge. However, as the game progressed, Tennessee's ability to execute in critical moments shone through. In overtime, the Volunteers took control with key plays from Marcus Millender, who made crucial baskets, including a driving layup that put Tennessee ahead late in the extra period.
As the final seconds ticked down, Georgia fought valiantly to regain the lead, but ultimately fell short. The close score and the dramatic finish made this game a noteworthy chapter in the season for both teams. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how each team responds in their upcoming matchups, especially Georgia as they look to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -1.5 | 157.5 o -108 / u -112 | Tennessee Volunteers -115 · Georgia Bulldogs -105 |
Leaders
- PointsKanon Catchings22Georgia Bulldogs
- AssistsMarcus Millender4Georgia Bulldogs
- ReboundsKanon Catchings7Georgia Bulldogs
- PointsJa'Kobi Gillespie21Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJa'Kobi Gillespie6Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsFelix Okpara11Tennessee Volunteers
Recent form
Georgia Bulldogs
Last 10: 7-3Streak L188.6 scored · 82.4 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L67-87at Texas LonghornsJan 24
- W74-72at Missouri TigersJan 21
- W90-76vs Arkansas RazorbacksJan 17
- L95-97vs Ole Miss RebelsJan 15
- W75-70at South Carolina GamecocksJan 10
- L77-92at Florida GatorsJan 7
- W104-100vs Auburn TigersJan 3
- W89-74vs Long Island University SharksDec 30
- W103-74vs West Georgia WolvesDec 22
- W112-82vs Western Carolina CatamountsDec 19
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W181.5 scored · 72.6 allowed per game1-2 away
- W79-73at Alabama Crimson TideJan 25
- L78-80vs Kentucky WildcatsJan 17
- W87-82vs Texas A&M AggiesJan 14
- L67-91at Florida GatorsJan 10
- W85-71vs Texas LonghornsJan 7
- L75-86at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 3
- W105-54vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 31
- W94-52vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsDec 21
- W83-62vs Louisville CardinalsDec 17
- L62-75vs Illinois Fighting IlliniDec 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tennessee Volunteers | Georgia Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-71 | 31-61 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 9-23 | 9-28 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 32 |
| Free throws | 15-25 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 52 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 26 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 20 |
| Assists | 17 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 42 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-53Blue Cain makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half53-54Jordan Ross makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Jordan Ross makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-55Nate Ament makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half56-57Blue Cain makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-57Amari Evans makes 23-foot three point jumper (Felix Okpara assists)
- 2nd Half59-58Somtochukwu Cyril makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-58Nate Ament makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-60Marcus Millender makes 22-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half63-60Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-60Bishop Boswell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Jordan Ross makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-62Jordan Ross makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Jordan Ross makes layup
- 2nd Half68-64J.P. Estrella makes layup (Nate Ament assists)
- 2nd Half70-64J.P. Estrella makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-66Kanon Catchings makes 2-foot dunk (Marcus Millender assists)
- 2nd Half70-67Kanon Catchings makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half70-69Kanon Catchings makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Blue Cain assists)
- 2nd Half71-69Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-70Kanon Catchings makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-70Nate Ament makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half73-71Marcus Millender makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-72Marcus Millender makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-74Marcus Millender makes layup
- OT76-74J.P. Estrella makes layup
- OT76-76Marcus Millender makes driving layup
- OT78-76J.P. Estrella makes 11-foot hook shot (Bishop Boswell assists)
- OT81-76Nate Ament makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- OT82-76Bishop Boswell makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT82-78Marcus Millender makes driving layup
- OT82-80Kanon Catchings makes 15-foot floating jump shot (Marcus Millender assists)
- OT83-80J.P. Estrella makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT84-80Bishop Boswell makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT85-80Bishop Boswell makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT85-83Marcus Millender makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- OT86-83Felix Okpara makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT86-85Marcus Millender makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Georgia Bulldogs, below favours Tennessee Volunteers.
Venue
- Stegeman ColiseumAthens, GA
- Attendance9854
- OfficialsA.J. Desai, Pat Adams, Olandis Poole
Elsewhere
- Projecting every Big East team's floor and ceiling for 2026-27
- 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