The South Carolina Gamecocks (10-12) travel to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats (15-7) on Saturday, February 8th. This game will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington and televised on ESPN2. Both South Carolina and Kentucky will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 ET.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs Kentucky Wildcats

The Gamecocks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

South Carolina Gamecocks Recent Game/Games

The Gamecocks dropped to 10-12 on the season after a 76-72 home loss to Texas A&M on Saturday. South Carolina came into the game as +5.5 point underdogs and managed to cover the spread.

After trailing 44-36 at halftime, the Gamecocks tightened up defensively in the second half, allowing just 32 points while scoring 36 of their own. The total points for the game went over the line of 134.5, with the teams combining for 148 points.

The Wildcats Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Kentucky’s season record dropped to 15-7 after a 98-84 road loss to Ole Miss on Tuesday. The Wildcats entered the game as +5 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 182, surpassing the O/U line of 157.5.

Kentucky found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 54-31 at halftime. Although they scored 53 points in the 2nd half, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, allowing 44 points to Ole Miss after the break.

Gamecocks Offense Breakdown

South Carolina put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc, hitting 12 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.4%, and they converted 83.3% of their free throws, going 10-for-12 from the line. The Gamecocks also dished out 19 assists and grabbed 8 offensive rebounds.

Wade Taylor IV led the way with 25 points, knocking down 7-of-10 threes and shooting 63.6% overall. Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 points on 68.8% shooting, along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jamarii Thomas and Zachary Davis each hit 3 threes, while Morris Ugusuk connected on 4-of-7 from deep.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Kentucky’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 84 points with a 50% shooting performance from the field. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 47.6% of their threes, contributing to an effective field goal percentage of 58.6%. The Wildcats also connected on 72.7% of their free throws and dished out 21 assists.

Matthew Murrell and Otega Oweh led the way with 24 points each, with Murrell hitting 6 threes at a 54.5% clip. Jaylen Murray and Amari Williams both recorded double-doubles, with Murray adding 10 assists and Williams pulling down 11 rebounds.

Gamecocks Team Defense

South Carolina’s defense gave up 76 points, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field on 25 of 56 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 52% shooting, with the other team hitting 13 of 25 two-point shots.

From three-point range, the Gamecocks’ opponents went 12 for 31, shooting 38%. South Carolina also sent them to the free-throw line 12 times, where they converted 10 of those attempts, an 83% success rate. The Gamecocks gave up 8 offensive rebounds.

Wildcats Team Defense

South Carolina’s defense gave up 76 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 25 made field goals on 56 attempts.

From beyond the arc, the opposition hit 12 of 31 three-pointers, good for 38%. South Carolina also sent them to the line 12 times, where they made 10 free throws, an 83% rate.

Gamecocks vs Wildcats Trends

• Through their last five road contests, the Gamecocks offense has averaged 61 points per game while allowing an average of 71. South Carolina posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Across their three previous home games, Kentucky has an ATS mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-2 while averaging 77 points per game.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, South Carolina has an ATS mark of 3-2 while going 0-5 straight up.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 0-3.

Gamecocks vs Wildcats Prediction

For a pick on the point-spread in this Wildcats vs. Gamecocks matchup, our bet is to grab the Gamecocks at +11.5. Even though our projections have the Wildcats winning 77-71, we see the Gamecocks as the play on the point-spread.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 149.5 and our model has the Gamecocks and Wildcats finishing with a combined 148 points. Our pick is to take the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.