Tennessee defeats Iowa State 76-62, advances to third straight Elite Eight
Tennessee guard Ethan Burg (35) celebrates and leads the team toward the Tennessee fan section after Tennessee defeated Iowa State in a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game at the United Center in Chicago on March 27, 2026. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Tennessee Vols are, again, back in a very familiar place — on the doorstep of the Final Four. The Vols defeated Iowa State 76-62 behind a big second half surge to secure their third straight appearance in the Elite Eight.
Nate Ament led Tennessee with 18 points and four rebounds despite missing 15 minutes of action on the bench with foul trouble. Felix Okpara was dominant in the paint, posting 12 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Jaylen Carey also had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.
Iowa State was without star forward Joshua Jefferson with an ankle injury. Tennessee absolutely blanketed the Cyclones,’ top scorer Milan Momcilovic, who had a nightmarish game with 6 points on 2-9 shooting. The Vols absolutely dominated this game close to the basket.
Tennessee held a 43-22 edge in rebounds after leading 22-10 at the break. The game started slow, with Tennessee falling behind early 10-6 in the first six minutes. But Tennessee tied it up at 15 and gradually pulled ahead 24-19 on a slam by Carey.
The Vols had a shot to go into the half with momentum, as they controlled the glass and the paint, but a layup and a bad throw into the backcourt by Okpara gave the Cyclones the lead back at 33-32 with a chance to build on it. Tennessee’s defense held, and Okpara atoned with two free throws in the final seconds of the half, and the Vols took a 34-33 lead into the locker room. The problem for Tennessee was the turnovers.