Maine’s JP Estrella Leads Tennessee to Men’s Basketball Elite Eight

Tennessee reached the Elite Eight again after a 76-62 victory over Iowa State on Friday in Chicago. The win sends the Volunteers to the regional final for the third consecutive season.

Game summary

The sixth-seeded Volunteers improved to 25-11 with the win. Tennessee used a strong second half and domination on the glass to pull away.

Tennessee outrebounded Iowa State 43-22. The Volunteers led 34-33 at halftime and then opened a decisive run in the second half.

Key stretches

Tennessee led 44-39 before a 13-4 spurt extended the margin. Jaylen Carey completed the sequence with a three-point play.

Carey, listed at 6-foot-8 and 267 pounds, celebrated in front of Tennessee fans after the play. His free throw made it 57-43 with 11:47 left.

Standout performances

• Nate Ament scored 18 points and made three 3-pointers.
• Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 16 points for Tennessee.
• Felix Okpara recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds.
• Jaylen Carey finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Maine’s JP Estrella provided 19 minutes off the bench. He scored six points and grabbed four rebounds.

Iowa State notes

Nate Heise and Tamin Lipsey each scored 18 points for Iowa State. The Cyclones finished the season 29-8.

The team struggled without All-America forward Joshua Jefferson. He missed the game due to an earlier injury sustained in the tournament opener.

Coaching and context

Rick Barnes has guided Tennessee to its third regional final during his 11 seasons. The program has built a consistent NCAA presence.

Barnes has previously taken a different program to the Final Four. Tennessee, however, still seeks its first trip to that stage.

What’s next

Tennessee will face top-seeded Michigan in the Midwest Region final on Sunday. Michigan advanced after a 90-77 win over Alabama.

Volunteers fans hope momentum and depth will carry the team forward in the Men’s Basketball Elite Eight.

Injury update and reaction

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said the Jefferson situation was difficult for the team. Staff tried treatments, but he could not play.

Felix Okpara spoke about enjoying the process and the work put in by the team. Tennessee looks to keep that progress alive.

Filmogaz.com contributed reporting from Chicago. Game statistics and quotes were compiled from postgame coverage.