Radford Highlanders vs South Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24
The Highlanders and Gamecocks are set to face off at 2:00 ET on SEC. The Gamecocks will host the game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. The odds for this non-conference game currently have South Carolina as the -13.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 138.5 points.
RADFORD HIGHLANDERS VS SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Radford Highlanders +13.5
This game will be played at Colonial Life Arena at 2:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd.
WHY BET THE RADFORD HIGHLANDERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Gamecocks.
- Even though we have South Carolina winning straight-up, we like Radford at +13.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 138.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Does Radford Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?
Radford fell to 8-4 on the season after a 78-68 loss to Colorado State on Tuesday. The Highlanders, who were +11.5 point underdogs, kept the game closer than expected.
Radford trailed 37-27 at halftime but matched Colorado State with 41 points in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 146 went over the pre-game line of 137.5.
Radford’s offense put up 68 points in their last game, shooting 41.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.6%, and they hit 73.7% of their free throws, going 14-for-19 from the line.
Rashaan Mbemba and Keshawn Williams led the way with 16 points each, with Mbemba shooting 85.7% and Williams hitting 63.6% of his shots. Kyan Evans and Josiah Harris also contributed 15 points, with Evans knocking down 3-of-5 from three-point range.
Radford’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 78 points on 55% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 74% of their two-point attempts, going 23/31 inside the arc.
From three-point range, Radford’s opponent shot 28%, making 6 of 21 attempts. The Highlanders also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 14 free throws for 82%.
Taking a Look at the Gamecocks Chances at Home
South Carolina improved to 8-3 on the season with a 91-88 win over Clemson on Tuesday. The Gamecocks were +1.5 point underdogs going into the game and managed to cover the spread with the victory.
South Carolina led 34-26 at halftime, but the game opened up in the second half. They scored 46 points after the break but allowed Clemson to put up 54 points. The total points for the game ended at 179, well over the pre-game O/U line of 134.5.
South Carolina’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 91 points while shooting 51.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.6%, thanks to hitting 56.1% of their two-point attempts and 41.2% from beyond the arc.
Chase Hunter led the way with 27 points, knocking down 5 of 8 threes. Ian Schieffelin added 23 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 72.7%, while Collin Murray-Boyles contributed 22 points on 80% shooting. Myles Stute was also hot from deep, hitting 5 of 7 threes and finishing with 19 points.
South Carolina struggled defensively, giving up 88 points on 51% shooting. Their opponents were efficient inside, hitting 56% of their two-point attempts.
From beyond the arc, South Carolina allowed 41% shooting, with 7 threes made. They also sent their opponents to the line 34 times, where they converted 70% of their free throws.