In a physical, defensive-minded battle between Illinois (7-3) and No. 1 Tennessee (10-0) on Saturday in Champaign, the Volunteers prevailed 66-64, escaping the State Farm Center with their unblemished record compliments of a buzzer-beating layup from sixth man Jordan Gainey.

The play that Tennessee basketball ran for Jordan Gainey's winning layup dates to 1980, when Rick Barnes consulted a legendary high school coach.

Tennessee Vols basketball defends its No. 1 ranking with Saturday's road game at Illinois. The Vols (9-0) play their second true road game of the season on Saturday. Over the last 11 days, the Vols have won games against Syracuse and Miami of the ACC.

The Illini had upset on their minds in leading for much of the game, but the Vols got the play they needed at the buzzer

Jordan Gainey scored 23 points to lift No. 1 Tennessee to a 66-64 win at Illinois to move to 10-0 this season.

After Illinois tied the game at 64 on the second of two free throws by Kasparas Jakucionis with 5.7 seconds left, Jordan Gainey scored on a driving layup as time expired.

The Big Ten needed it. Illinois couldn't get it done. So it goes. Purdue lost at home to Texas A&M on Saturday. Auburn slaughtered Ohio State 91-53 in Atlanta. Tennessee topped Illini. Goodness, the SEC is great. Goodness, the Big Ten is not.

Illinois (7-2, 1-1 Big Ten) will host No. 1 Tennessee (9-0) on Saturday at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. Tennessee leads the all time series,

The Big Ten had a loaded slate of action on Saturday, highlighted by marquee matchups for a handful of teams. The best battle was in Champaign, as Illinois took top ranked Tennessee to the final minutes.