Gillespie made six 3-pointers in the game. Felix Okpara and JP Estrella each scored 10 points, while Okpara and Cade Phillips each grabbed seven rebounds.
For Rutgers, freshman Aaron Zarnow led the way with 14 points, while JR Buchanan added 13 and Dylan Grant added 10 points.
Rutgers stayed within 10 points for the first 12 minutes of the first half, but Tennessee went on a 17–8 run over the next 2:40 to take a 41–22 lead. In that span, Ament scored nine points. Tennessee increased the lead to 56–30 at halftime.
The Volunteers took a 30-point lead on Gillespie’s 3-pointer to make the game 70–40 with 12:06 remaining. Shortly afterward, coach Rick Barnes made major changes to the lineup.
Tennessee shot 50.8% from the field, including 50% (11 for 22) from 3-point range. The Volunteers outshot the Scarlet Knights 43–28 and forced 13 turnovers.
Rutgers shot just 36.5% from the field (19 for 52).
Tennessee will play No. 2 Houston in the Players Era Tournament on Tuesday. Rutgers will play Notre Dame in the same event on Tuesday.
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