KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Alexis Hornbuckle sank two free throws with 13.8 seconds remaining to seal top-ranked Tennessee’s 83-79 win over No. 4 North Carolina on Sunday night.

North Carolina (9-1) was poised to make a last-minute comeback after Italee Lucas stole the ball from Tennessee (6-0) and hit a layup to bring the Tar Heels within 79-78.

Rashanda McCants fouled Hornbuckle with 13.8 seconds left and she hit both free throws to restore the three-point edge.

Hornbuckle finished with 25 points.

North Carolina had one last shot as Rebecca Gray was fouled by Hornbuckle while attempting a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left.

Gray made her first free throw and missed her second. She then intentionally missed her third, but didn’t hit the rim causing a violation and giving the ball to Tennessee.

The Lady Vols inbounded the ball to Hornbuckle, who added one more layup to put the game away.

The dramatic end capped a physical game in which both teams went on hot and cold streaks, but each time the Tar Heels made a run for the lead, Tennessee responded.

Erlana Larkins led North Carolina with 22 points and 15 rebounds. McCants finished with 19 points, Jessica Breland had 14 and LaToya Pringle added 10.

Candace Parker had 21 points and 16 rebounds for Tennessee and Shannon Bobbitt added 10 points.

AP-ES-12-02-07 2134EST