The Kentucky Wildcats are the class of the SEC, but the South Carolina Gamecocks have been a plucky upstart. The two ranked teams will face off in a key conference matchup as both teams are undefeated thus far in the SEC.
While the Gamecocks have been playing well of late they clearly aren’t in the same category as the high-flying Wildcats. Kentucky is the better team and plays this one at home, which will make them a comfortable favorite.
If Kentucky can take care of business in this one it will keep control of the conference.
This war on the floor will go down Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 6 p.m. ET at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
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Odds at BookMaker.eu
Kentucky is 16-2 straight up and 11-7 against the spread. The Wildcats have played 10 home game on the season and have covered in seven of them.
Kentucky has been favored in every game this season, and it’s impressive how well they have done against the spread despite giving points in every matchup. This one will follow that script again and they may have to win by double digits in order to cover.
South Carolina is 14-3 straight up and 8-7 against the spread. The Gamecocks have played in four true road games on the season and have covered in three of them. South Carolina is 3-2 attempting to cover as the underdog this season.
Matchup to Watch
Kentucky’s high-scoring offense against South Carolina’s stout defense will be the side of the court to keep an eye on, as this will be a big test for both sides.
The Wildcats are No. 2 in the nation for points per game, averaging 93.6 points per contest. The offense is led by Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox who combine for nearly 40 points a game. Kentucky has a bunch of athletic players who can call fill it up, so while Monk and Fox have to be guarded closely, the whole team must be given respect.
The Gamecocks, on the other hand, are holding opponents to 59.8 points per game this season. South Carolina held two opponents to 60 points or less last week, defeating Tennessee 70-60 and Ole Miss 67-56.
If South Carolina can lock down this Kentucky team, it will turn heads around the country and would be the way to an upset.
Player to Watch
Sindarius Thornwell – The South Carolina senior guard is averaging 18 points a game this season and 7.1 rebounds. The Gamecocks will be relying on Thornwell to help the team keep pace with Kentucky’s electric offense.
Since returning from suspension last month, Thornwell has been vital in the team’s four-game winning streak. He put up 22 points against Tennessee on January 11th and also had a double-double against Georgia on January 4th, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
South Carolina has really hits its stride since Thornwell’s return and his presence gives the team confidence in this one.
Free College Basketball ATS Picks
While South Carolina has played well lately, let’s be honest about this matchup. While the Gamecocks are nice upstarts, Kentucky has long been one of the best programs in the country for years and is playing like it once again in this one.
If South Carolina was playing this one at home, maybe it would have a shot at knocking off the Wildcats. However, the better team playing at home is a recipe for a win. The Gamecocks pride themselves on defense, but it’s just impossible to keep Kentucky down throughout.
South Carolina can stick around in the first half, but by the end of this one Kentucky will be able to claim this victory rather comfortably. Choose the Wildcats on the moneyline and they are also likely to cover the spread.
College Basketball Odds: Kentucky 84, South Carolina 71
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