South Carolina Gamecocks vs Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/8/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Gamecocks versus the Wildcats? Tip off is at at 12:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN2. The game will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The over/under for this game is set at 149.5 points, and Kentucky is favored by -11.5 vs. South Carolina in a Southeastern conference matchup.
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS VS KENTUCKY WILDCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks +11.5
This game will be played at Rupp Arena at 12:00 ET on Saturday, February 8th.
WHY BET THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Wildcats.
- Even though we have Kentucky winning straight-up, we like South Carolina at +11.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.
Is an Upset Waiting to Happen on the Road?
South Carolina Gamecocks Recent Game/Games
South Carolina dropped to 10-12 on the season after a 76-72 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday. The Gamecocks were +5.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread.
After trailing 44-36 at halftime, South Carolina held the Aggies to 32 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36 of their own. The total points for the game were 148, surpassing the O/U line of 134.5.
In their last game, South Carolina put up 72 points, shooting 44.6% from the field and hitting 38.7% from beyond the arc, with 12 made threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.4%, and they connected on 83.3% of their free throws, going 10-for-12. The Gamecocks dished out 19 assists and grabbed 8 offensive rebounds.
Wade Taylor IV led the way with 25 points, hitting 7 of 10 from deep and shooting 63.6% overall. Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 points, shooting 68.8% from the field and contributing 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
South Carolina’s defense gave up 76 points, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 25 made field goals on 56 attempts.
From beyond the arc, the opposition hit 12 of 31 threes, shooting 38%. South Carolina also sent them to the line 12 times, where they made 10 free throws.
Can the Wildcats Hold Strong at Home?
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 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points hit 182, surpassing the O/U line of 157.5.
After trailing 54-31 at halftime, Kentucky put up a fight in the 2nd half, scoring 53 points while allowing 44, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Kentucky’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 84 points with a 50% shooting performance from the field. They connected on 47.6% of their three-point attempts, going 10-for-21 from deep, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 58.6%.
Matthew Murrell and Otega Oweh each scored 24 points, with Murrell hitting 6 threes at a 54.5% clip. Jaylen Murray and Amari Williams both recorded double-doubles, with Murray dishing out 10 assists and Williams grabbing 11 rebounds.
Despite Kentucky’s defensive struggles, they managed to limit offensive rebounds, giving up just 3 in their last game. However, they allowed 98 points on 54% shooting from the field, including 64% from two-point range.
From beyond the arc, Kentucky’s defense conceded 13 threes on 43% shooting. They also sent their opponents to the line 21 times, where they hit 15 free throws, shooting 71%.