The Arkansas Razorbacks (21-10, 10-8 SEC) challenge the South Carolina Gamecocks (17-15, 8-11 SEC) in the Southeastern Conference Tourney at Scottrade Center. The game will air on SEC Network at 9:25 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks ATS Prediction
In the Gamecocks’ last matchup, they defeated the Ole Miss Rebels, 85-84. One of South Carolina’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 34 trips to the line, 13 more than Ole Miss. South Carolina was lifted by Chris Silva, who finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
The Razorbacks lost to the Missouri Tigers in their last matchup, 77-67. Missouri made good use of their 33 trips to the charity stripe, converting on 27 of them (81.8 percent). Arkansas, meanwhile, was 12-15 (80.0 percent). Arkansas’ Daniel Gafford had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
Ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. Arkansas commits the 19th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 15.4 percent), while the pesky defense of South Carolina forces the 45th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.4 percent). Furthermore, the Gamecocks, who rank 51st in offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 percent), will try to exploit the Razorbacks, who rank 293rd in defensive rebounding percentage (68.7 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Daryl Macon scored a game-high 25 points and the Razorbacks defeated the Gamecocks 81-65. The Razorbacks had a much better turnover percentage (16.5 vs. 23.1) and had a much better free throw rate (0.434 vs. 0.333).
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – South Carolina, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Arkansas ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while South Carolina ranks 216th (7.3).
The Razorbacks average 4.7 blocks per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. The Gamecocks rank 205th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
South Carolina ranks 93rd in three pointers allowed per game (20.4) while Arkansas ranks 254th (24.0).
The Gamecocks rank 85th in rebounds per game (37.0) while the Razorbacks rank 204th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
South Carolina ranks 46th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while Arkansas ranks 157th (13.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Gamecocks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Razorbacks have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
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