Alabama vs. South Carolina Pick
Can South Carolina get past Alabama without much trouble when the two meet up today at 3PM ET in the SEC Tournament?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, South Carolina is the favorite in this game, as the Gamecocks are getting odds of -3.5 points against the Tide. The over/under total has yet to be set for this contest. Alabama won the lone meeting this season, 90-86 in OT at South Carolina on Feb. 7. Today’s game will be held from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
NCAA BB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Alabama is the fifth seed in this tournament and coming off a 75-55 win over Mississippi State yesterday to advance to this game. The Tide are now 18-13 on the season and 14-15 against the spread after covering in three of their last four games. Bama is averaging 68.6 points per game on offense while allowing 64.4 on defense. Braxton Key is leading the team with 12 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while Dazon Ingram is adding 10.5 points per contest.
South Carolina is the fourth seed in this tournament and has had the bye into the quarterfinals. The Gamecocks were 21-9 on the season and 12-6 in the SEC. Their record against the spread is 11-15-2, but they are just 1-8 ATS in their last nine games. SC is averaging 72.1 points per game on offense while allowing 64.6 on defense. Sindarius Thornwell is leading the team with 21.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while PJ Dozier is adding 13.6 points per contest.
There hasn’t been a lot to like about South Carolina right now. They are just 3-5 in their last eight, with the wins coming against Mississippi State and Tennessee. The losses have been somewhat lopsided as well, losing by 15 to Florid and by nine to Vandy. Bama has been much more competitive as of late and seems to have found its stride at the right time. I think the Tide have the defense to win this game, as they have held their last five opponents to 60 points or less.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: ALABAMA +3.5