UT determined to slow Gators

Coming off their two scrappiest efforts of the season, the Vols go from a frying pan - South Carolina - to a fire - Florida - tonight.

The O'Connell Center, site of the 7 o'clock tip-off between the Gators (11-3, 3-0 SEC) and Vols (9-7, 2-2), has been a dead zone for Tennessee.

If you think (formerly) dreaded Ben Hill Griffin Stadium across the street was a rough joint, consider UT's track record in the O'Dome.

Since the Vols notched back-to-back wins in 1990-91, they are 1-12 in Gainesville. And only one of the 12 losses (1992) was by single digits.

Last year, Tennessee hit bottom, 95-57, a 38-point rout that stands as the worst loss of the Buzz Peterson era.

They vow it won't happen again.

In the past week, the Vols have proven the virtue of a moderate tempo by upsetting Mississippi State 64-63 and taking South Carolina to the buzzer in a 66-63 loss.

"We've got to be patient like we did at South Carolina,'' point guard C.J. Watson said Tuesday. "We've got to get long possessions and take good shots.''

UT can hardly afford to be in the moral-victory business, but the close call at South Carolina did end a three-year string of routs in Columbia.

"It's going to be a tough environment down there in Gainesville,'' said senior Brandon Crump, "but we knew it was going to be tough at South Carolina, too.

"Florida's fans are going to be jacked. Their players are going to have a lot of energy.

"We've got to bring the same kind of energy they're going to bring.''

The Gators want to get the Vols running up and down the floor. And while it might be a style the players prefer, they know it has led to disaster in the past.

"On the road,'' said Watson, "we've got to control the tempo, take good shots not let other teams run on us.

"Quick shots lead to easy baskets for the other team.''

Last year, Florida converted 20 Tennessee turnovers into 32 points.

"I'm sure they want a fast pace at home,'' said Peterson. "That's what South Carolina wanted to do but our guys did a solid job of controlling the tempo.''

Old Business: Peterson said he had a "good conversation" with SEC officiating supervisor John Guthrie about the South Carolina game. Peterson said the whistles went 11-1 against UT down the stretch.

"I've got to defend those young men and make sure they're treated fair,'' Peterson said.

Wingate Stepping Up: Sophomore Major Wingate is responding to challenges by Peterson and his teammates to be more assertive on offense, averaging 8.0 points the past two games.

"He's such a big, strong person,'' said Crump. "Him being able to bang in there takes a lot of pressure off me.''

Wingate worked with the first team Tuesday, a possible indication he might make his first start of the season.

Tickets On Sale: Individual tickets to UT's remaining home games go on sale today. Seats previously available only as season tickets or the Big Game Pack (Kentucky, LSU, Florida, Georgia) will be on sale for $14. Tickets for Alabama and South Carolina also are available for $8.

Purchases may be made online at UTsports.com, by phone at 865-656-1200 or at the arena ticket office.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.