URGENT UPDATE: The No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers have avenged last season’s Elite Eight defeat by defeating the No. 3 Houston Cougars, 76-73, in a nail-biting championship showdown in Las Vegas on December 5, 2023. Ja’Kobi Gillespie was the standout star, scoring 22 points and sinking all six of his free throws in the final 35 seconds to secure the victory.
The Volunteers improved their record to 7-0 with this win, while Houston falls to 6-1. Jaylen Carey contributed significantly with 13 points, and Bishop Boswell added 10 points, including crucial free throws with just 25 seconds left on the clock.
Houston’s Kingston Flemings led his team with 25 points, but it was Milos Uzan’s missed half-court shot at the buzzer that left fans stunned, as it would have sent the game into overtime. Uzan finished with 17 points, but the Cougars struggled offensively, particularly in the second half.
The game was not without its challenges for Houston, as star guard Emanuel Sharp, who averages 17.7 points per game, faced foul trouble and was limited to just 21 minutes on the court. Sharp only managed 8 points after picking up two fouls in the first five minutes and sitting out for the rest of the half.
Tennessee’s performance marked a stark contrast to last year’s encounter in the NCAA tournament, where Houston triumphed 69-50. The Volunteers seized control in the second half, launching a 10-point run to take a 51-46 lead with 9:42 remaining. Houston faced a drought, failing to score for over 7 minutes and missing 11 consecutive shots.
As the game progressed, the Volunteers maintained their lead by converting free throws, proving crucial in their victory. The emotional stakes were high, with Tennessee seeking redemption and Houston looking to assert their dominance, making this rematch one for the history books.
Fans are now eagerly anticipating what this victory means for Tennessee’s trajectory this season. The Volunteers have established themselves as serious contenders, while Houston will need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming games.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as both teams look to build on their performances moving forward.
