NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two ranked men’s basketball teams coming off their first losses of the season will look to rebound when Tennessee hosts Illinois in a marquee nonconference showdown Saturday at Bridgestone Arena. The Volunteers (7-1) and Fighting Illini (6-2) each saw promising early-season runs end last week against top-tier competition. Tennessee fell 81-76 to then-Kansas at home on Nov. 26, while Illinois dropped a 74-61 decision at then-Connecticut two days later. Saturday’s matchup features a compelling clash of styles and star guards. Illinois is led by junior Kylan Boswell, who is averaging 17.1 points per game. He was brilliant in the loss at UConn, scoring 25 points with nine rebounds. Tennessee counters with dynamic sophomore Nate Ament, who averages 18.0 points and has scored 19 or more in five of eight games, including a 20-point effort against Kansas. The Illini’s two losses have come by a combined 17 points against Alabama and UConn, showcasing their resilience but also a need for more consistent late-game execution. Beyond Boswell, they rely on size inside from Tomislav Ivisic, who had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Huskies. Tennessee’s lone blemish is the Kansas defeat, a game they led at halftime. Coach Rick Barnes’ squad has otherwise been dominant, winning its other seven games by an average of 26.3 points. Their defense, a Barnes hallmark, will be tested by Illinois’ balanced attack. This game serves as a final high-profile test before both teams dive into conference play in January. For Illinois, it begins a tough two-game road swing before hosting Nebraska. Tennessee, after this neutral-site game in its home state, hosts Louisville next week. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST Saturday. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.