The South Carolina Gamecocks (13-9, 4-5 SEC) visit Texas A&M to take on the Aggies (14-8, 3-6 SEC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Texas A&M Aggies ATS Prediction
In the Gamecocks’ last game, they were defeated by the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 81-76. Mississippi State’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over South Carolina. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.578 (above their season average of 0.517), while the Gamecocks posted a mark of 0.458. Frank Booker was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
The Aggies were victorious over the Arkansas Razorbacks in their last outing, 80-66. The Aggies, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.9, had a ridiculous mark of 42.1, while the Razorbacks had a free throw rate of 0.131 (below their season average of 0.243). With 15 points and 13 rebounds, Tyler Davis had a good outing for Texas A&M.
This contest figures to be low-scoring as a pair of the nation’s best defenses square off. Texas A&M ranks 55th in defensive efficiency (97.3) and South Carolina is 46th (96.8). Moreover, the Gamecocks are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 11th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.307). The Aggies, meanwhile, rank 32nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.183).
Davis and Robert Williams have been playing well over the last five games for Texas A&M. Davis has averaged 14.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Not to be outdone, Williams has put up 14.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game during that span.
After the Gamecocks won the sole contest against the Aggies last season, 79-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. South Carolina had a much better turnover percentage (7.2 vs. 32.0). Texas A&M, meanwhile, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.637 vs. 0.464).
South Carolina Gamecocks at Texas A&M Aggies ATS Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – South Carolina, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
South Carolina ranks 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while Texas A&M ranks 220th (24.1).
The Aggies rank eighth in blocks per game (6.0) while the Gamecocks rank 183rd in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
South Carolina ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Texas A&M ranks 184th (14.3).
The Aggies rank third in rebounds per game (42.4) while the Gamecocks rank 74th (37.5).
Texas A&M ranks 163rd in steals per game (5.6) while South Carolina ranks 179th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
Betting Trends:
The Gamecocks have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, South Carolina has defeated opponents by an average of 4.2 points.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
