The 10th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (12-3, 3-0 SEC) will be at Colonial Life Arena to challenge the South Carolina Gamecocks (8-7, 0-2 SEC) in a SEC matchup. The game can be seen on SEC Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Gamecocks lost a winnable game to the Tennessee Volunteers, 56-55, while the Wildcats beat the Alabama Crimson Tide, 76-67.
The Wildcats had a better free throw rate (0.175 vs. 0.092) and held the Crimson Tide to an effective field goal percentage of 0.395 (below their season average of 0.531). South Carolina, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.3 (above their season average of 32.6). South Carolina’s Maik Kotsar led the way, contributing 17 points and eight rebounds. Nick Richards played a pivotal role for Kentucky with 13 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Wildcats won the sole game between these two teams last year, 76-48. Getting to the free throw line was one of Kentucky’s biggest advantages. They made 27 trips to the line, while South Carolina went just 14 times. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
South Carolina might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Kentucky ranks 38th in defensive efficiency, while the Gamecocks rank 280th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Wildcats rank eighth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.304), while the Gamecocks rank 346th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.344).
Kentucky vs. South Carolina Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Kentucky ranks 47th in assists per game (15.3) while South Carolina ranks 135th (13.3).
- The Wildcats rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Gamecocks rank 65th (5.9).
- South Carolina ranks 269th in three pointers attempted per game (17.5) while Kentucky ranks 292nd (15.6).
- The Wildcats rank 26th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Gamecocks rank 111th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- Kentucky ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while South Carolina ranks 119th (34.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gamecocks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 3.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (4.7 above their season average).
