Gillespie scores 21 to lead No. 19 Tennessee's rout of South Carolina State 105-54

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Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) shoots past South Carolina State forward James Morrow (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) drives for a shot as he's defended by South Carolina State guard Florian Tenebay (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) — Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) shoots past South Carolina State forward James Morrow (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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10:12 PM on Tuesday, December 30

By AL LESAR

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ja'Kobi Gillespie had 21 points and eight assists to lead No. 19 Tennessee to a 105-54 win over South Carolina State on Tuesday night.

Nate Ament scored 16 points and Amari Evans added 14 for the Volunteers (10-3). Jaylen Carter had 13 points and 10 rebounds and J.P. Estrella finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Jayden Johnson scored 25 points for the Bulldogs (1-14).

In the first half, Tennessee shot better from the field (13 of 21, 62%) than the free throw line (13 of 24, 54%) while building a 41-25 lead. Gillespie had 14 points for the Vols, while Johnson scored 10 for the Bulldogs. Tennessee dominated the boards, 21-10.

Tennessee is reaping the benefits of its tough stretch in its nonconference schedule. The Vols played six teams from Power 4 conferences, earning a split.

From their exhibition loss to Duke, the new players on the Tennessee roster had to get an understanding of the type of defense demanded by coach Rick Barnes. It took several games but the Vols have seemingly found a working defensive plan.

A 21-point win over Louisville in mid-December helped show that Tennessee was ready for its SEC schedule.

The Bulldogs, who ended a 12-game skid by beating Brewton-Parker College, followed their only win of the season with losses to South Carolina and Tennessee.

Up next

South Carolina State: The Bulldogs host Howard on Saturday.

Tennessee: The Vols open the SEC season at Arkansas on Saturday.

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