South Carolina vs No. 12 Florida Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 17)
- The Gamecocks look to end a six-game losing streak.
- The Gators are rolling with a five-game winning streak.
- This marks the 81st all-time meeting between the SEC programs.
The No. 12 Florida Gators will be busy as they host the South Carolina Gamecocks for an intriguing SEC matchup. The Gators enter the game as the solid favorite, looking to defend homecourt against a squad yearning to get back on the win column.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 pm ET
- Where: Exactech Arena at the Stephen O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida
- How to Watch: SEC Network
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | -110 | +23 | O155 |
| Florida | -110 | -23 | U155 |
Game Preview
The Gamecocks (11-14, 2-10 SEC) have been unable to keep up with most of their conference opponents throughout league play so far. They are having poor form with a six-game losing streak, recently falling to the likes of the Missouri Tigers and the No. 25 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Meechie Johnson was a bright spot in South Carolina’s loss to Alabama, scoring 24 of his 26 points in the second half. He is averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game throughout league play. He will be crucial to the Gamecocks’ chances of competing against Florida on the road.
The No. 12 Gators (19-6, 10-2 SEC) continue to stand out as a team for opponents to fear, especially in the SEC. They are rolling with a five-game win streak, making their way up the conference standings. They are coming off latest victories over the Georgia Bulldogs and the Kentucky Wildcats.
They have one of the best frontcourts in the nation, leading the country in rebounds (46.0) and offensive rebounds (16.4) per game. They are No. 1 in rebound margin, out-rebounding their opponents by 14.6 per game. Thomas Haugh (17.5 ppg) and Alex Condon (13.3) highlight the attack with 30.8 points combined per game. On another note, Reuben Chinyelu could play a big impact inside the paint as he averages 11.8 rebounds per game. He leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 nationally, while his 15 double-doubles also lead the SEC and rank No. 7 nationally.
South Carolina vs Florida Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 60 meetings in their history, and the result is 51-29 for the Gators. The last matchup was in January this year when Florida secured an 95-48 blowout win.
South Carolina vs Florida Predictions
The Gamecocks will hope to have a better performance against Florida this time around. They underwhelmed on their own homecourt throughout the blowout loss last month, needing to avenge that defeat to show their dignity against one of the top squads in the country. However, it’s clear that the Gators have the major edge with regard to team quality and having the stronger form. Our betting pick here is for the Gators to defend a 23-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick:Â Florida Gators -23
