No. 13 Tennessee women play stifling 1st-half defense to beat Rutgers 66-47

Tennessee's Kamiko Williams and Rutgers' Shakena Richardson chase after a loose ball during their NCAA college basketball game in Knoxville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/The Knoxville News Sentinel, Saul Young) (The Associated Press)

Tennessee's Taber Spani is pressured by Rutgers' Kahleah Copper, left, and Shakena Richardson during their NCAA college basketball game in Knoxville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/The Knoxville News Sentinel, Saul Young) (The Associated Press)

No. 13 Tennessee used a strong defensive performance and balanced scoring to defeat Rutgers 66-47 Sunday.

The victory was the 1,200th in Tennessee's program history, an NCAA best. It was also the eighth consecutive win over Rutgers for the Lady Volunteers (9-3).

Tennessee led by as many as 28 points in the second half after leading 33-13 at halftime.

The Scarlet Knights (8-4) shot 34.6 percent (18 of 52) from the field and just 22.2 percent (6 of 27) in the first half.

Rutgers' 13 first-half points were the fewest Tennessee has allowed in a first half this season. Rutgers missed its first seven shots as the Lady Vols jumped out to an early 8-0 lead.

Tennessee's Isabelle Harrison recorded a double-double with a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Meighan Simmons scored 15 points and Bashaara Graves 11.

Kahleah Copper led the Scarlet Knights with 13 points.