URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the Kansas Jayhawks have defeated the previously unbeaten No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers, 81-76, in the third-place game of the Players Era Championship held in Las Vegas on December 6, 2023. This loss marks the first of the season for Tennessee, who led by as many as 12 points in the second half.
The Jayhawks, now 6-2, were powered by strong performances from Melvin Council Jr. and Elmarko Jackson, each scoring 17 points. Kansas made a remarkable comeback, trailing for most of the second half before taking the lead on a crucial layup by Paul Mbiya with just 5:36 remaining.
Tennessee started strong and was ahead 68-64 with under five minutes left, but Kansas retaliated with a series of impressive plays, culminating in a 75-68 lead with only 2:02 on the clock. Nate Ament led the Volunteers with 20 points, while teammates Jaylen Carey and Ja’Kobi Gillespie contributed 11 points each.
As the game intensified, Tennessee made a late push, narrowing the gap to 75-73 with just 56 seconds left. However, Kansas sealed the victory with two free throws from Flory Bidunga and a clutch steal in the final moments.
The loss has significant implications for Tennessee, who must regroup quickly as they prepare for upcoming matchups. Meanwhile, Kansas looks to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as both teams navigate the fallout from this high-stakes encounter. This thrilling game showcases the unpredictability of college basketball, reminding fans that anything can happen on the court.
