The Tennessee Volunteers shocked the No. 2 seed Iowa State Cyclones in the NCAA March Madness Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. The final score was 76-62. Nate Ament scored 18 points and Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 16, which helped the Vols win their third straight Elite Eight game.
At halftime, Tennessee was ahead 34-33, but the Volunteers went on a 13-4 run in the second half, with a three-point play from forward Carey making it 57-43. Tennessee’s tough “Orange Crush” defense and rebounding edge were too much for Iowa State’s high-powered offense, which had been beating Kentucky and Tennessee State in earlier rounds. This is only the fourth time these two teams have played each other. Tennessee leads the series 2-1 after winning in 2018.
- Nate Ament scored 18 points for Tennessee.
- Ja’Kobi Gillespie: 16 points and experience as a point guard.
- After halftime, Iowa State had a hard time and lost 29-8 after winning strong tournament games.
Tennessee (24-11) moves on to the Elite Eight, where they will play the winner of Michigan vs. Alabama. They are one win away from their first Final Four under coach Rick Barnes.
