KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Tyler Smith hit a jumper in the lane with two seconds remaining Wednesday, giving ninth-ranked Tennessee an 85-83 win over No. 15 Mississippi.
It was the Rebels' first loss of the season and came in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
Smith scored 21 points and lifted the Volunteers (13-1) to their eighth straight victory. Mississippi had won its opening 13 games of the season, the longest winning streak in school history. JaJuan Smith also scored 21 points for Tennessee and Chris Lofton had 10.
Chris Warren led Mississippi with 24 points.
Back-to-back baskets by Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith lifted Tennessee into an 83-83 tie with 77 seconds remaining.
Mississippi had six straight chances to regain the lead, grabbing four consecutive offensive rebounds without success. The Rebels' Kenny Williams even had an opportunity from the foul line, but missed the front end of a one-and-one with 31 seconds to play.
That set up Tennessee for a chance at the victory and Tyler Smith came through on the low post with his turnaround jumper.
