No. 6 Tennessee overcame a hostile environment to defeat Virginia 79-72 and advance to the Sweet 16.

The Volunteers started strong at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with Nate Ament hitting an early corner 3-pointer to energize the crowd. Tennessee converted 10 of its first 12 possessions, building an early lead.

Virginia responded quickly, tying the game at 14 with 13 minutes left in the first half and taking the lead two minutes later. The Cavaliers found success from beyond the arc, knocking down six 3-pointers in the half.

Tennessee regained control midway through the period. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Bishop Boswell and Ja’Kobi Gillespie sparked a 26-20 lead with 6:45 remaining. Felix Okpara added a dunk that helped force a Virginia scoring drought, and the Vols carried a 36-31 advantage into halftime.

Tennessee held the lead for much of the second half, but Virginia closed within two points with five minutes remaining and tied the game at the 4:44 mark. The Cavaliers briefly took their first lead of the game, 71-70, with 1:40 left.

Ament answered with two free throws to put Tennessee back in front. Boswell and Gillespie sealed the game at the line in the final minute, stretching the lead to six.

Gillespie led Tennessee with 19 points, while Ament added 16. Okpara grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

The Volunteers will travel to Chicago for their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, where they will face No. 2 Iowa State. Game time has yet to be announced.