The Western Michigan Broncos (2-2) and the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1) square off in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off at HTC Center. South Carolina opened as a 9-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 142.5 points. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 19, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Western Michigan Broncos Odds Preview
In the Gamecocks last game, they dismantled the UTEP Miners, 80-56. Chris Silva was South Carolinas high scorer with 15 points on 3-for-8 shooting. South Carolina played a perfect game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 and a turnover percentage of 20.0. UTEP put up marks of 20.7 and 29.9, respectively, for those same stats.
The Broncos will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the Appalachian State Mountaineers in their last game, 86-67. Western Michigan was lifted by Thomas Wilder, who was the games high scorer with 31 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Western Michigan played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 11.7) and a free throw rate of 0.390 (above their season average of 0.189). Appalachian State put up marks of 19.0 and 0.304, respectively, for those same stats.
The offense of Western Michigan will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of South Carolina. Since last season, the Broncos rank 123rd in offensive efficiency, while the Gamecocks are fifth in defensive efficiency. The Gamecocks figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
The Gamecocks are 24-11 straight up (SU) and 19-18-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. South Carolina games have gone under the O/U total 52.6 percent of the time since last season.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are 18-18 SU and 19-13 ATS since last season. Western Michigans games have finished over the O/U total 50.0 percent of the time over that same period.
These teams have already met once this season. The Gamecocks won 78-60. The Gamecocks dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 and a great free throw rate of 0.298. For those same stats, the Broncos put up marks of 19.5 and 0.224, respectively. Wilder was the games top overall scorer with 21 points.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Western Michigan Broncos ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – South Carolina, ATS Winner – South Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Broncos rank 174th in blocks per game (3.0) while the Gamecocks rank 214th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Western Michigan averages 36.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 139th in the NCAA. South Carolina ranks 168th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
- South Carolina ranks sixth in assists allowed per game (10.0) while Western Michigan ranks 197th (13.8).
- The Gamecocks rank 33rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while the Broncos rank 197th (21.8).
- South Carolina ranks 33rd in steals per game (7.6) while Western Michigan ranks 157th (6.1).
