The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball punched their ticket to the Elite Eight with a commanding 76-62 win over the Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball in the Sweet 16 on Friday night. After a tight first half that saw Tennessee cling to a 34-33 lead, the Vols took control after the break, outscoring Iowa State 42-29 to pull away late.
Tennessee’s physicality was the story, especially on the glass. The Volunteers dominated the boards 43-22, creating extra possessions and limiting second chances for the Cyclones. That edge helped offset 17 turnovers and fueled a decisive second-half run that put the game out of reach.
Nate Ament led the way with 18 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, while Ja'Kobi Gillespie added 16 points despite a high-volume shooting night. Inside, Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey each recorded double-doubles, anchoring a dominant frontcourt performance.
Iowa State was paced by Tamin Lipsey and Nate Heise, who both scored 18, but the Cyclones struggled to keep up physically and shot under 40 percent from the field.
With the win, Tennessee advances to its third straight Elite Eight, continuing a strong March run under Rick Barnes.
Next up ELITE 8: Tennessee vs. Michigan on 790 AM on Sunday (3/29). Airtime 12:30 p.m. on 790 AM The Bet. 1:15 p.m tip
Tennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Tamin Lipsey #3 of the Iowa State Cyclones grabs the rebound from J.P. Estrella #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Blake Buchanan #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones and Felix Okpara #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers battle for the rebound during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Felix Okpara #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers and Blake Buchanan #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones get tangled up during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Blake Buchanan #23 and Milan Momcilovic #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones react during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Ethan Burg #35 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates a basket against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Nate Ament #10 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates the 76-62 win against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Ja'kobi Gillespie #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates the 76-62 win against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Ja'kobi Gillespie #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates the 76-62 win against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Milan Momcilovic #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones attempts a shot against Ja'kobi Gillespie #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Nate Ament #10 of the Tennessee Volunteers attempts a shot against Blake Buchanan #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesTennessee v Iowa State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: A fan reacts during the second half between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
