COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Shekinna Stricklen had 18 points and a career-high 16 rebounds to help No. 5 Tennessee win its 39th straight over South Carolina, 71-56, on Thursday night.

The Lady Vols (18-2, 6-0 Southeastern Conference) haven't lost to the Gamecocks since 1980 and didn't look like they'd have much trouble in this one as they led 57-45 with 6:44 to go.

But South Carolina (10-9, 2-4) scored seven straight points to cut into Tennessee's lead.

That's when Meighan Simmons regained control for Tennessee with a pair of foul shots that started a closing 14-4 run. Simmons had 16 points, all in the second half.

Stricklen posted her sixth double-double of the season and third in four games.

Ieasia Walker had 24 points and was South Carolina's only player in double figures.