KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Tyreke Evans scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half Saturday, sparking co-No. 24 Memphis to a 54-52 victory against in-state rival Tennessee.
The tense victory extended the Tigers' winning streak to 10 straight games.
Memphis trailed 29-28 at the half, but 11-of-14 free-throw shooting and a 40-38 advantage in rebounding led to its avenging a classic 66-62 loss to UT last season.
Evans' layup gave the Tigers, who share the No. 24 ranking with Illinois, what turned out to be an insurmountable 51-45 lead with 4:47 remaining.
Doneal Mack and Antonio Anderson scored 10 points apiece, and Anderson added seven rebounds and four assists for the Tigers (16-3), whose last loss was 72-65 on Dec. 20 against Syracuse.
Wayne Chism led Tennessee with 15 points and six rebounds.
Tyler Smith scored 13 with 10 rebounds, while J.P. Prince added 10 points for the Volunteers (12-6), who also lost the rebounding battle, 40-38, and sank only 14-of-23 free throw attempts.
They lead the all-time series by a 12-8 margin.
