Even in the middle of an undefeated start when top-ranked Tennessee had throttled anyone who happened to get in its way, Zakai Zeigler had stayed on the floor for all but 30 plays against top-100 teams this season.

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.

No. 1 Tennessee survived an upset bid from Illinois after guard Jordan Gainey made a layup at the buzzer to give his team a 66-64 win. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakučionis made his second free-throw attempt to tie the game at 64 with less than six seconds left before Gainey raced down the floor to end the game in dramatic fashion.

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

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.

Darlinstone Dubar did not play in Tennessee's win against Miami on Tuesday while in concussion protocol. He is expected to play against Illinois.

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.

When the lights were brightest and the eyes of millions were on him in a nationally televised game against the No. 1 team in the nation, Kasparas Jakucionis let it be known thatches the best player on the court at any given moment.