Nate Ament's heroics fueled a double-overtime thriller as Tennessee snatched victory, ending the Aggies' streak in a nail-biting battle of wills.
For two overtimes inside a loud SEC gym, Texas A&M and the Tennessee Volunteers played the kind of game that makes coaches age a decade, and fans forget to breathe.
When it finally ended, Tennessee walked away with an 87-82 double-overtime win Tuesday night, handing the Texas A&M Aggies their first conference loss after a six-game winning streak.
The difference came late - and then later - thanks largely to Nate Ament, who scored 23 points, 10 of them in the two overtime periods. Every time the Aggies looked ready to land the knockout punch, Ament answered.
Tennessee nearly lost it twice before the game even reached extra time.
With the score tied at 71 at the end of regulation, Ja’Kobi Gillespie missed a potential game-winning 3 at the horn. Then in the first overtime, Ament’s 10-footer rattled around the rim, flirted with destiny, and cruelly popped out, forcing a second OT at 75-75.
Tennessee finally took control in the second overtime, leaning heavily on rebounding and physicality. The Vols dominated the glass 60-35, a number that jumps off the stat sheet and slaps you in the face.
Felix Okpara and Bishop Boswell combined for 23 points and 23 rebounds, giving Tennessee repeated second chances when the Aggies desperately needed stops.
Texas A&M had plenty of fight. Jacari Lane led the Aggies with 20 points, while Pop Isaacs added 16 and Ruben Dominguez chipped in 15.
A&M shot well enough to win - especially early - finishing the first half up 34-30 after hitting seven 3s and weathering a cold Tennessee start that saw the Vols open 3-for-17 from the field.
But overtime basketball magnifies flaws, and for the Aggies, it was rebounding and fatigue.
The same team that had won three SEC games by a combined 12 points - including a gritty two-point win over Auburn - finally came out on the wrong side of the margin.
For Tennessee, the win was also a reminder of its ceiling. The Vols have been wildly inconsistent this season, capable of looking elite one night and disjointed the next.
Tuesday, they leaned into their size, slowed the game when needed, and survived long enough for talent to win out.
Texas A&M now turns the page quickly with a trip to Texas looming Saturday, a rivalry game that won’t need any extra motivation.
If the Aggies clean up the glass and bottle the effort they showed for 50 minutes in Knoxville, this one may sting, but it doesn’t define them.
It just proves, once again, that in the SEC, nothing comes easy. Not even when you play almost a full extra game.