Even in the middle of an undefeated start when top-ranked Tennessee had throttled anyone who happened to get in its way, Zakai Zeigler had stayed on the floor for all but 30 plays against top-100 teams this season.

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — No. 1 Tennessee beat Illinois 66-64, to stay undefeated on the season. This is the first 10-0 start for the Vols since the 1999-2000 season. Jordan Gainey put in the buzzer-beater game-winning bucket, he finished with a career-high 23 points. Igor Milicic Jr. finished with 14 rebounds and 7 points.

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

What channel is the Tennessee basketball vs Illinois game on today? Here's how to watch, including time, TV schedule, live streaming info and game odds.

After Illinois tied the game at 64 on the second of two free throws by Kasparas Jakucionis with 5.7 seconds left, Jordan Gainey scored on a driving layup as time expired.

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

Illinois (7-2, 1-1 Big Ten) will host No. 1 Tennessee (9-0) on Saturday at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. Tennessee leads the all time series,

The Big Ten had a loaded slate of action on Saturday, highlighted by marquee matchups for a handful of teams. The best battle was in Champaign, as Illinois took top ranked Tennessee to the final minutes.

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.