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.

Tennessee basketball played 14 second-half minutes without Zakai Zeigler, lost Chaz Lanier late due to foul trouble, and played with lineups unimaginable entering Saturday. It won anyway because Jordan Gainey was on the court.

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