The Mississippi State Bulldogs (15-6, 3-5 SEC) head to South Carolina to play the Gamecocks (13-8, 4-4 SEC) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, and will air on SEC Network.
South Carolina is a 3.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 132.5 points.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks ATS Prediction
The Bulldogs come in on a high note after beating the Missouri Tigers in their last outing, 74-62. The Bulldogs knocked down 10 of their 14 free throws (71.4 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.513). Mississippi State was lifted by Quinndary Weatherspoon, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
In the Gamecocks’ last game, they were beaten by the No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders, 70-63. Texas Tech was effective at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Red Raiders made 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent), while the Gamecocks were 20-27 (74.1 percent). With 16 points on 4-for-6 shooting, Chris Silva led South Carolina in scoring.
South Carolina might struggle to score as they face off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Mississippi State currently ranks 16th in defensive efficiency, while the Gamecocks rank 254th in offensive efficiency.
Mississippi State has an excellent 15-6 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 5-11 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bulldogs’ 16 games that accepted bets, 10 have finished under the total.
South Carolina has a solid 13-8 SU record, but they struggle covering the spread (9-10-1 ATS). It’s tough to find a trend for Gamecocks games in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
After the Gamecocks won both games against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent game, South Carolina won 63-57. The Gamecocks made 25 of their 35 free throws (71.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 vs. 25.7).
Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Mississippi State, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Mississippi State is 0-6 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
South Carolina is 4-5 ATS at home with 5 overs, 3 unders and 1 push.
Mississippi State averages 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the NCAA. South Carolina ranks 175th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
The Gamecocks rank 40th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while the Bulldogs rank 186th (23.0).
Mississippi State averages 6.9 steals per game, which ranks 78th in the nation. South Carolina ranks 171st in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Gamecocks average 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 74th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 147th in rebounds allowed per game (35.0).
South Carolina is 29th in the NCAA with 11.0 assists allowed per game while Mississippi State is 43rd with 11.4 assists allowed per game.
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Mississippi State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
South Carolina is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 8.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
