Volunteers establish SEC pecking order

Tennessee has established itself as the early Southeastern Conference favorite just a week into the start of league competition.

The third-ranked Volunteers (13-1, 2-0) have outscored their first two league opponents by a combined 70 points while showcasing the depth that has made them the SEC's highest-ranked team heading into Saturday's game at Florida (9-5, 1-1).

Tennessee has the SEC's top two scorers in forwards Grant Williams (18.8) and Admiral Schofield (18.0). Tennessee bills Williams and Schofield as “Peanut Butter and Jelly” because they complement each other so well, but the Vols can thrive even when that duo isn't as dynamic as usual.

The Vols won 87-63 at Missouri on Tuesday for their ninth straight victory even though Williams scored just four points and shot 1-for-8 before fouling out. Tennessee led 42-31 at halftime with Williams and Schofield combining for just three first-half points.

“It just shows how deep we are and how much work we put in,” forward Kyle Alexander said. “It used to be get Grant the ball ... then it was get Grant and (Schofield) the ball. Now it's like anybody can score.”

“Watching Tennessee puts it all in perspective relative to what a really, really good team looks like and what you hope to be,” Florida coach Michael White said.

Travel issues due to a winter storm have led to postponement of Missouri's game Saturday at South Carolina. Both teams are in contact with the SEC about possible makeup dates . ... South Carolina freshman point guard T.J. Moss will miss the rest of the season after having ankle and foot surgery this week. Gamecocks coach Frank Martin said Moss will take a medical redshirt season . ... Gus Ganakas, who was Michigan State's coach from 196976 and remained part of the athletic department until his retirement in 2000, died Friday at 92. Ganakas also spent more than 30 years as one of the voices of Michigan State basketball, serving as a color commentator.