Tennessee Basketball is in the win column to begin the 2025-2026 regular season with a 76-61 win over Mercer in the season opener from Knoxville. It’s the first of five straight home games that Tennessee will have to begin the season, and the Vols are officially off to a 1-0 start.
It wasn’t the fastest or the hottest start from Tennessee, but the Vols found their way thanks to some solid scoring from the post. Tennessee made a frequent habit of scoring in the paint – especially in the first half. Thirty of Tennessee’s first 33 points were all in the paint. The lone outlier was a Ja’Kobi Gillespie three in the first half.
Tennessee freshman Nate Ament led the way with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting. He also added in nine rebounds as he came close to a double-double in his first official game. JP Estrella added 12 points, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Jaylen Carey both put up eight points each.
For more takeaways on Tennessee’s season-opening win, check out RTI’s game observations here.
After the game, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes met with the media to discuss his reactions. Tennessee also had Ament and Estrella speak with the media as well.
More From RTI: Three Quick Takeaways As Tennessee Basketball Sloppy In Season Opening Win Over Mercer
Check out both interviews below:
Tennessee HC Rick Barnes
Tennessee G Nate Ament and F JP Estrella
