Philadelphia, PA — For Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball standouts Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Bishop Boswell, chemistry isn’t just built on the court—it’s constant.
“We can’t get enough of each other,” Gillespie said.
That connection continues to pay off in March.
Gillespie scored 21 points, while Boswell and Nate Ament delivered in clutch moments at the free-throw line, lifting Tennessee to a 79-72 win over the Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball in the NCAA Tournament. The victory sends the Volunteers to their fourth straight Sweet 16.
“They fought through a lot of things that maybe we didn’t have to,” head coach Rick Barnes said, “but they found a way to fight through it.”
Tennessee once again leaned on Gillespie, who continued his strong tournament play after a big first-round showing. His confidence was evident throughout, including on a deep, contested three-pointer late in the shot clock.
“I was definitely lucky,” Gillespie said of the 3.
Boswell, who has built strong on-court chemistry with his roommate, had no doubts.
“I know how talented he is,” Boswell said. “Any time I attack the gap and I see him open, I’m betting it’s going in.”
Still, Virginia made sure the finish wouldn’t come easy.
The Cavaliers, led by Thijs De Ridder and his 22-point performance, battled back late and briefly took the lead in the final minutes. After a chaotic stretch that included missed opportunities on both sides, Tennessee regained control behind timely free throws.
Ament stepped up with key shots at the line, and Gillespie sealed the game by calmly converting six free throws in the final 30 seconds.
Virginia had one last chance, but a missed layup and a loose-ball sequence ended with possession returning to Tennessee after review.
“I knew it hit me, barely,” said Dallin Hall. “Unfortunately, it worked out the way it did. It was a super-fast play, but there was a lot of opportunities, and it never comes down to the one play.”
Ament finished with 16 points after being held scoreless in the previous game, while Boswell added 13 points and nine assists in a well-rounded performance.
Despite the loss, Virginia continues to show progress under head coach Ryan Odom, building momentum after recent early tournament exits.
“Lot of tears in there,” Odom said. “Lot of gratitude. You just have to put things in their proper perspective, which is not easy to do in moments like that.”
With the win, Tennessee advances to face the Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball in the next round, keeping its postseason run alive—and giving Gillespie and Boswell at least one more weekend as roommates on the road.
