OXFORD, Miss. (AP) Just a few seconds after the opening tip, Tennessee whipped a few crisp passes down the court before Ariel Massengale found a wide-open Isabelle Harrison for an easy layup.
It was the first clue that the Lady Volunteers were about to have a very good night.
Harrison had 21 points and 14 rebounds to lead No. 6 Tennessee past Mississippi 69-49 on Wednesday night. The Lady Volunteers (21-3, 11-0 Southeastern Conference) never trailed, dominating in just about every statistical category as they won for the 17th time in 18 games.
''I was really proud of our group,'' Tennessee coach Holly Warlick said. ''We played together and I think everyone contributed which is just so much fun to see.''
Harrison shot 9 of 14 from the field and also blocked two shots. Bashaara Graves added 17 points off the bench for the Lady Vols.
Mississippi (14-10, 4-7) cut Tennessee's lead to 14-11 after a layup by Danielle McCray, but the Lady Vols responded with a 20-6 run to take a 34-17 halftime lead. The Rebels missed 17 of their final 18 shots in the first half and have now lost six straight.
Shandricka Sessom and Gracie Frizzell both scored nine points to lead Ole Miss. The Rebels' leading scorer and rebounder this season, Tia Faleru, was held scoreless and grabbed just four rebounds.
''We didn't give a very good effort tonight and to beat a good team like Tennessee your effort and energy have to be right,'' Mississippi coach Matt Insell said.
Harrison, a 6-foot-3 senior, had 15 points and 10 rebounds by halftime. She needed just 24 minutes on the floor to do her damage, routinely finding room to score in the paint.
Ole Miss had a week to prepare for the Lady Vols, but struggled from the outset. The Rebels shot just 6 for 26 (23.1 percent) from the field in the first half and never recovered, failing to top 50 points for the second time in four games.
Tennessee was especially dominant in the post. The Lady Vols scored 48 points in the paint and finished with a 46-29 rebounding advantage.
Tennessee guard Andraya Carter, who finished with a team-high four assists, said the complete performance was the result of renewed focus after a few less-than-impressive victories.
''We wanted to win the Lady Vol way,'' Tennessee guard Andraya Carter said. ''We don't want people to talk about `Oh, they won that game. They kind of got by.' We want to make a statement with our wins.''
Graves was a flawless 7 of 7 from the field and added four rebounds. Tennessee shot 28 of 53 (52.8 percent) from the field.
Now the Lady Vols will prepare for a showdown with No. 10 Kentucky on Sunday in Knoxville. The last two games between the teams have been decided by one point - both Tennessee wins.
TIP-INS
Tennessee: The Lady Vols have won 27 straight games against Ole Miss and has a 19-3 record at Tad Smith Coliseum. This is the last time they will play at the Tad Pad - the Rebels are moving to a new facility across the street next season.
Mississippi: The Rebels are still searching for their 400th victory in their home arena. They fell to 399-123 in Oxford.
UP NEXT
Tennessee: Hosts No. 10 Kentucky on Sunday.
Mississippi: At Missouri on Sunday.
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