The Clemson Tigers (8-3) and the South Carolina Gamecocks (4-6) clash at Colonial Life Arena. The Tigers will attempt to extend their five-game winning streak. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Gamecocks beat the USC Upstate Spartans 65-52, while the Tigers dismantled the Citadel Bulldogs 100-80.
Clemson dominated every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.648. For those same stats, Citadel recorded marks of 8.3 and 0.534, respectively. The Gamecocks, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.466 vs. 0.121) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.2 vs. 20.5). Chris Silva played a pivotal role for South Carolina with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Clemson was led by Marcquise Reed, who put up 20 points and 13 rebounds.
The Tigers won the only game between these two teams last year, 64-48. Clemson had a much better free throw rate (0.348 vs. 0.148). South Carolina, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (19.3 vs. 21.0). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Shelton Mitchell has taken his game to another level recently for Clemson, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
South Carolina might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Clemson currently ranks 97th in defensive efficiency, while the Gamecocks rank 287th in offensive efficiency.
Clemson Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – South Carolina, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Clemson ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (28.9) while South Carolina ranks 162nd (36.2).
- The Tigers rank 20th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while the Gamecocks rank 104th (12.8).
- Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. South Carolina is 31st in the NCAA with 4.8 blocks per game while Clemson is 59th with 3.9 blocks per game.
Bettings Trends:
- The Gamecocks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 0.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.6 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
