KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 17 points to lead five Tennessee players in double figures as the Volunteers defeated Tennessee State 89-60 in a men’s nonconference basketball game Thursday night at Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Volunteers (5-0) never trailed, building a 43-21 halftime lead and maintaining control throughout the second half. Aaron Nkrumah led the Tigers (2-3) with 19 points. Tennessee’s defense forced 21 turnovers and held Tennessee State to 32.1% shooting from the field. The Volunteers also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 31 of 35 attempts. A crowd of 17,313 watched the game.