It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-6, 3-3 SEC) welcome the No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers (12-5, 3-3 SEC) to Colonial Life Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Tennessee Volunteers at South Carolina Gamecocks ATS Prediction
In the Volunteers’ last contest, they were beaten by the Missouri Tigers, 59-55. One of Missouri’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-17 (88.2 percent), while the Volunteers were just 8-13 (61.5 percent). Grant Williams was the top scorer from either team with 15 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
The Gamecocks beat the No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats in their last contest, 76-68. South Carolina’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Kentucky. The Gamecocks had a rate of 10.4 (better than their season average of 16.8), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 19.8. Chris Silva was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
The aggressive South Carolina offense might be living from the foul line in this showdown. The Gamecocks rank 24th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.298, while Tennessee ranks 282nd in FTA rate allowed (0.279). Also, the Volunteers are among the nation’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 32nd in offensive rebounding percentage (35.1 percent). The Gamecocks, however, rank 25th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.1 percent).
Admiral Schofield has averaged 16.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Tennessee.
After the Gamecocks won both matchups against the Volunteers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last contest, South Carolina won 82-55. The Gamecocks had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.525 vs. 0.343) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.5 vs. 25.7).
Tennessee Volunteers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – South Carolina, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Tennessee ranks 27th in assists per game (16.9) while South Carolina ranks 185th (12.7).
The Volunteers rank 26th in blocks per game (5.2) while the Gamecocks rank 160th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
Tennessee averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 75th in the nation. South Carolina ranks 163rd in steals allowed per game (7.4).
The Gamecocks average 38.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 47th in the nation. The Volunteers rank 123rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Volunteers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
