It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the South Carolina Gamecocks (11-6, 2-3 SEC) welcome the No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats (14-3, 4-1 SEC) to Colonial Life Arena. The game will air on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 140.5 points with Kentucky set as a 2.5-point favorite.
Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they topped the Vanderbilt Commodores, 74-67. The Wildcats had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.581 (above their season average of 0.283) and held the Commodores to an effective field goal percentage of 0.436 (below their season average of 0.494). Kentucky received a boost from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Gamecocks defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in their last matchup, 64-57. The Gamecocks had a solid turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 17.3) and held the Bulldogs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.0 (below their season average of 35.3). With 14 points and nine rebounds, South Carolina’s Chris Silva had a solid game.
The offensive glass could be a huge advantage for South Carolina in this contest. The Gamecocks currently rank 64th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.8 percent), while Kentucky ranks 271st in defensive rebounding percentage (69.0 percent). Moreover, the Wildcats, who rank 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.296), could get to the line a ton against the Gamecocks, who rank 306th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.290).
Kentucky is 14-3 straight up (SU), but they are just 7-9-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Wildcats games, with an even split between overs and unders.
South Carolina has a solid 11-6 SU record, but they are just 7-8-1 ATS. Of the Gamecocks’ 16 games with betting action, 9 have finished under the total.
After the Wildcats won the sole game against the Gamecocks last season, 85-69, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wildcats made 21 of their 28 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.667 vs. 0.457).
Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Kentucky is 3-2-1 ATS on the road with 4 unders and 2 overs.
At home, South Carolina is 3-3 ATS with 3 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
South Carolina ranks 64th in three pointers allowed per game (20.2) while Kentucky ranks 241st (25.6).
The Wildcats rank 21st in blocks per game (5.5) while the Gamecocks rank 160th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
South Carolina ranks 39th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while Kentucky ranks 142nd (13.7).
The Wildcats average 6.4 steals per game, which ranks 116th in the NCAA. The Gamecocks rank 172nd in steals allowed per game (7.6).
South Carolina ranks 54th in rebounds per game (38.6) while Kentucky ranks 76th in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Kentucky is 1-3-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
South Carolina is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 8.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
