Tennessee Volunteers Defeat Texas Longhorns 85-71
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Food City Center
Tennessee Volunteers 85, Texas Longhorns 71, 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 Texas Longhorns vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Tennessee Volunteers beat Texas Longhorns 85-71 at Food City Center on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Texas Longhorns vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
In an impressive display of basketball, the Tennessee Volunteers secured a convincing 85-71 victory over the Texas Longhorns at the Food City Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Volunteers' strong home record, which now stands at 11-4, compared to the Longhorns' 9-6 overall record. The Volunteers have now extended their winning streak against the Longhorns to three games, having previously defeated them twice in the 2025 season.
Tennessee's recent form has been a mixed bag, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games. They suffered a setback in their last outing, losing to the Arkansas Razorbacks 75-86. However, prior to that, they had shown their scoring prowess, averaging 80.5 points per game while allowing 66.5 points. Their home performances have been particularly strong, with a home record of 5-2 this season. In their last five games, they averaged an impressive 83.8 points, indicating a potent offensive capability.
On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns have also posted a 6-4 record in their last ten games, but they come off a narrow loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where they fell 98-101. The Longhorns have been prolific in scoring, averaging 92.0 points per game while allowing 78.0 points during this stretch. Their away record is 1-1, showing some inconsistency in performances outside their home venue.
The Volunteers' victory was bolstered by their strong home court advantage. Historically, they have fared well at home against the Longhorns, winning both of their previous encounters this season. The first meeting was a closely contested game on January 11, 2025, where Tennessee edged out Texas 74-70, followed by a more comfortable 83-72 win on March 14, 2025. This trend continued in the latest matchup, as they maintained control throughout the game.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability for either team, but both sides have had to navigate their fair share of challenges this season. The absence of key players can significantly impact game dynamics, but the current rosters were able to compete effectively in this fixture.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored the Volunteers significantly, with a spread of -12.5 and a total set at 153.5. The moneyline reflected Tennessee's dominance at -750, while Texas was listed at +525, indicating a strong belief in a Volunteers win.
Conditions in the Food City Center were conducive for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. This environment often plays a crucial role in energizing the players and influencing the game's momentum.
Throughout the game, viewers witnessed several key scoring plays that highlighted the Volunteers' offensive capabilities. Notable moments included a 25-foot three-point jumper by Simeon Wilcher and a series of dunks that showcased Tennessee's athleticism. The Volunteers' ability to respond to Texas's scoring runs was evident, as they maintained a lead and effectively managed the game's tempo.
In conclusion, the Tennessee Volunteers' victory over the Texas Longhorns not only reinforces their strong home record but also illustrates their ability to perform under pressure against a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Tennessee aiming to continue their winning streak and Texas seeking to rebound from this defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -12.5 | 153.5 o -105 / u -115 | Texas Longhorns +525 · Tennessee Volunteers -750 |
Leaders
- PointsJa'Kobi Gillespie34Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJa'Kobi Gillespie5Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsJ.P. Estrella6Tennessee Volunteers
- PointsTramon Mark20Texas Longhorns
- AssistsDailyn Swain4Texas Longhorns
- ReboundsTramon Mark5Texas Longhorns
Recent form
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L180.5 scored · 66.5 allowed per game5-2 at home
- 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
- L60-62at Syracuse OrangeDec 3
- L76-81vs Kansas JayhawksNov 27
- W76-73at Houston CougarsNov 25
- W85-60vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 24
- W89-60vs Tennessee State TigersNov 21
Texas Longhorns
Last 10: 6-4Streak L192 scored · 78 allowed per game1-1 away
- L98-101vs Mississippi State BulldogsJan 3
- W94-71vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksDec 23
- W95-53vs Le Moyne DolphinsDec 17
- L63-71at UConn HuskiesDec 13
- W95-69vs Southern JaguarsDec 9
- L69-88vs Virginia CavaliersDec 4
- W102-97vs NC State WolfpackNov 27
- W119-78at Chaminade SilverswordsNov 26
- L86-87vs Arizona State Sun DevilsNov 25
- W99-65vs Rider BroncsNov 19
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 | Texas Longhorns | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-57 | 29-55 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 6-15 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 40 |
| Free throws | 16-20 | 21-29 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 22 |
| Assists | 14 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 12 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 27 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 24 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 44 |
| Fouls | 21 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 4 | 90 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half33-54Felix Okpara makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half33-56DeWayne Brown II makes driving layup (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half36-56Camden Heide makes 26-foot three point jumper (Simeon Wilcher assists)
- 2nd Half38-56Simeon Wilcher makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half38-58J.P. Estrella makes 3-foot dunk (Nate Ament assists)
- 2nd Half41-58Camden Heide makes 29-foot three point jumper (Lassina Traore assists)
- 2nd Half41-59Amari Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-60Amari Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-60Tramon Mark makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-60Chendall Weaver makes layup (Simeon Wilcher assists)
- 2nd Half45-61Bishop Boswell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-61Camden Heide makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chendall Weaver assists)
- 2nd Half51-61Tramon Mark makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chendall Weaver assists)
- 2nd Half51-63Felix Okpara makes 4-foot dunk (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half51-64Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-65Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-67Nate Ament makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-68Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-68Chendall Weaver makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-68Chendall Weaver makes 6-foot dunk
- 2nd Half55-68Chendall Weaver makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-68Chendall Weaver makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-70Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half57-70Camden Heide makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-70Camden Heide makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Carey assists)
- 2nd Half61-73Tramon Mark makes 26-foot three point jumper (Lassina Traore assists)
- 2nd Half61-75Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half62-75Lassina Traore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-75Lassina Traore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-76J.P. Estrella makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-77J.P. Estrella makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-77Simeon Wilcher makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tramon Mark assists)
- 2nd Half66-79Jaylen Carey makes 1-foot dunk (Amari Evans assists)
- 2nd Half66-81J.P. Estrella makes 4-foot dunk (Amaree Abram assists)
- 2nd Half67-81Simeon Wilcher makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-81Simeon Wilcher makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-82Jaylen Carey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-85Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 28-foot three point jumper (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half71-85Tramon Mark makes 24-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Tennessee Volunteers, below favours Texas Longhorns.
Venue
- Food City CenterKnoxville, TN
- Attendance17402
- OfficialsJames Breeding, K.B. Burdett, Owen Shortt
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