KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee men's basketball season got off to a winning start on Monday with a 76-61 win over Mercer at Food City Center.

The Volunteers got off to a quick start on the interior with 30 first-half points in the paint. Redshirt sophomore forward JP Estrella made his return to official competition after missing most of the 2024-2025 season and led Tennessee in the opening frame with eight points.

Highly-touted freshman Nate Ament played the most minutes of any Tennessee player, leading the team in scoring with 18 points in his first collegiate contest. Vanderbilt transfer Jaylen Carey scored eight and pulled down 10 rebounds in his debut for the Volunteers.

Monday's game also marked the first in orange and white for Greeneville native Ja'Kobi Gillespie after t

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