KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Tennessee used a balanced effort to defeat LSU 73-63 in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Volunteers led 35-29 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before a crowd of 21,678. Nate Ament led Tennessee with 22 points, while JP Estrella added 16. The Volunteers dominated inside, outscoring LSU 34-18 in the paint.

Jalen Reece and Marquel Sutton each scored 15 points for the Tigers, who fell to 14-11. LSU shot just 38.2% from the field. Tennessee improved to 18-6.

The Volunteers capitalized on second chances, securing 14 offensive rebounds. LSU committed only three turnovers but could not overcome its shooting struggles. Tennessee next hosts Oklahoma on Wednesday. LSU visits Texas on Tuesday.