Memphis 85, Tennessee 80: Joe Jackson scored 20 points to lead the Tigers, who shot 64 percent in the first half and held off a late rally by the host Volunteers.

Memphis (10-3) closed the first half with a 22-9 spurt, building a 42-28 halftime advantage.

The Volunteers (8-4) shot their way back within striking distance in the second half. Tennessee trailed by 11 points with 2:49 remaining before scoring six consecutive points to pull within 79-75 on Josh Richardson’s jumper with 41 seconds to go, but could get no closer.

The Tigers, who shot 56.4 percent from the field, hit 16 of 25 field goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes, including seven of their final eight shots. Adonis Thomas added 18 points for the Tigers and Geron Johnson scored 16.

Jordan McRae scored 26 points to lead Tennessee, going 5-for-12 from 3-point range. Richardson added 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Kenny Hall had 10 boards.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Volunteers shot 27.6 percent (8-for-29) in the first half, going 1-for-8 from 3-point range. … Memphis finished with 11 steals and 11 blocked shots. D.J. Stephens blocked five for the Tigers. … Jackson finished 9-for-11 from the free throw line.