The 17th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-1) will be at Colonial Life Arena to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks (6-7, 1-0 SEC) in a SEC matchup. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Gamecocks were victorious over the USC Upstate Spartans 65-52, while the Bulldogs dismantled the Austin Peay Governors 95-67.
The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.633 vs. 0.415) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 20.4). South Carolina, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.466 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.2. For those same stats, USC Upstate had marks of 0.121 and 20.5, respectively. Chris Silva had a good performance for South Carolina with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Aric Holman played well for Mississippi State, recording 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last matchup, Mississippi State won 72-68. Mississippi State’s 0.321 free throw rate was their biggest strength over South Carolina, who had a mark of 0.186. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Quinndary Weatherspoon and Holman have played at a high level over the last five games for Mississippi State. Weatherspoon has averaged 0 points per game, while Holman has put up 0 points a game during that span.
South Carolina might have a tough time scoring as they battle against one of the nation’s best defenses. Mississippi State ranks 100th in defensive efficiency while the Gamecocks rank 246th in offensive efficiency.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – South Carolina, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Mississippi State ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while South Carolina ranks 156th (35.9).
- The Bulldogs rank 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Gamecocks rank 88th (6.3).
- Mississippi State averages 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. South Carolina ranks 62nd in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
- The Bulldogs rank 39th in assists per game (16.2) while the Gamecocks rank 143rd (13.2).
- Mississippi State ranks 49th in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while South Carolina ranks 148th (23.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gamecocks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 3.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
