The Tennessee Volunteers (17-1, 6-0) defeated in-state rival Vanderbilt (9-9, 0-6) 88-83 in overtime.

The win proved to be tougher than anticipated for the Vols, who seemed to be losing a handle on the game at one point.

Gut check time for the #Vols.

Tennessee has responded well in tough situations this season against Florida and Alabama, but this one is getting late.

Big test in these last few minutes that will tell us a lot about the Vols going forward.

— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) January 24, 2019

Vanderbilt gave Tennessee all they could handle in regulation, only trailing the Vols by one at halftime and forcing the game to overtime.

Vandy's success came on the shoulders of Aaron Nesmith (24 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist) and Saben Lee (21 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists), who provided the Commodores with a much needed offensive showing.

However, the number one ranked team in the country was able to escape Nashville with a win and avoid an upset that would have been hard to live down.

The Vols were led in points and rebounds by Grant Williams (43 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists) and Jordan Bone in assists (14 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists).

Here are the eight best images from the game:

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) drives against Vanderbilt Commodores forward Clevon Brown (15) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) reacts with a teammate between free throws during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Derrick Walker (15) shoots against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) talks with guard Jordan Bowden (23) and forward Kyle Alexander (11) during overtime against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Simisola Shittu (11) tries to pass the ball against Tennessee Volunteers guard Jordan Bowden (23) during overtime at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) shoots over Vanderbilt Commodores forward Aaron Nesmith (24) and forward Clevon Brown (15) during overtime at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Admiral Schofield (5) reacts during overtime against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Lamonte Turner (1) and forward Yves Pons (35) wave to fans as they walk off the floor after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores during overtime at Memorial Gymnasium. Tennessee won 88-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports