In a physical, defensive-minded battle between Illinois (7-3) and No. 1 Tennessee (10-0) on Saturday in Champaign, the Volunteers prevailed 66-64, escaping the State Farm Center with their unblemished record compliments of a buzzer-beating layup from sixth man Jordan Gainey.

The play that Tennessee basketball ran for Jordan Gainey's winning layup dates to 1980, when Rick Barnes consulted a legendary high school coach.

Darlinstone Dubar had five points and five rebounds, with two timely shots in critical moments, as Tennessee basketball overcame Illinois' attack.

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

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. − Darlinstone Dubar returned for Tennessee basketball against Illinois on Saturday. The senior guard checked in at the 8:43 mark of the first half as the Vols (9-0) played Illinois (7-2) on Saturday (5:30 p.m. ET, FOX) at State Farm Center.

Jordan Gainey scored 23 points to lift No. 1 Tennessee to a 66-64 win at Illinois to move to 10-0 this season.

The Big Ten needed it. Illinois couldn't get it done. So it goes. Purdue lost at home to Texas A&M on Saturday. Auburn slaughtered Ohio State 91-53 in Atlanta. Tennessee topped Illini. Goodness, the SEC is great. Goodness, the Big Ten is not.