It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the South Carolina Gamecocks (6-7, 1-0 SEC) welcome the No. 17 Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-1) to Colonial Life Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last matchup, they blew out the Austin Peay Governors, 95-67. Mississippi State couldn’t miss, shooting 57.8 percent from the field. Austin Peay, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of 39.0. Aric Holman was a key piece for Mississippi State with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Gamecocks were victorious over the USC Upstate Spartans in their last matchup, 65-52. The Gamecocks had a much better free throw rate (0.466 vs. 0.121) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.2 vs. 20.5). With 13 points and 11 rebounds, South Carolina’s Chris Silva had a good performance.
After the Bulldogs won both matchups against the Gamecocks last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Mississippi State won 72-68. Mississippi State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over South Carolina. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.321, while the Gamecocks posted a mark of 0.186.
Quinndary Weatherspoon and Holman have played well over the last five games for Mississippi State. Weatherspoon has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Holman has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
South Carolina might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Mississippi State currently ranks 100th in defensive efficiency, while the Gamecocks rank 246th in offensive efficiency.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Mississippi State, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Mississippi State ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while South Carolina ranks 156th (35.9).
The Bulldogs rank 39th in assists per game (16.2) while the Gamecocks rank 143rd (13.2).
Mississippi State ranks 49th in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while South Carolina ranks 148th (23.0).
The Bulldogs rank 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Gamecocks rank 88th (6.3).
Mississippi State ranks 19th in blocks per game (5.1) while South Carolina ranks 62nd in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 13.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
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