Florida (16-2) at South Carolina (10-8)
- When: Jan 22 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC, USA
- Where to watch: SEC Network
The Florida Gators look to maintain their defensive dominance as they face the struggling South Carolina Gamecocks in an SEC showdown Wednesday night. Florida is favored by -11.0, with the total set at 144.0, and they’ll aim to cover while showcasing their elite defensive form.
Florida Gators: Defensive Prowess and Scoring Depth
The Gators (16-2, 3-2 SEC) are coming off a resounding 84-60 win over Texas, where their defense shined, holding the Longhorns to 36.4% shooting and dominating the final stretch with a 23-6 run. With the SEC’s third-best scoring defense, Florida allows just 65.6 points per game and has limited opponents to 37.3% shooting from the field and 27.7% from beyond the arc.
Offensively, Florida boasts a high-scoring duo in Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr. Martin led with 22 points in their last game, while Clayton, averaging 17.9 points per game, ranks fifth in the SEC and has been on fire, shooting 55% over his last two outings. Florida’s ability to balance a suffocating defense with an efficient offense makes them a tough opponent for South Carolina.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Searching for Answers
The Gamecocks (10-8, 0-5 SEC) are still hunting for their first conference win. Their offensive struggles have been glaring, averaging under 70 points in six straight games and under 65 in four SEC matchups. Leading scorer Collin Murray-Boyles, averaging 15.4 points for the season, has seen his production dip to 12.2 points in SEC play.
South Carolina’s backcourt issues are compounded by the absence of point guard Jamarii Thomas, sidelined with a knee injury. Without him, the Gamecocks have committed 50 turnovers in their last three games, including a staggering 25 against Vanderbilt. Forward Morris Ugusuk has stepped up with back-to-back team-high performances, scoring 15 against Oklahoma and 20 in the loss to Vanderbilt, but it hasn’t been enough to overcome their struggles.
Key Matchup: Florida’s Defense vs. South Carolina’s Turnovers
Florida’s disciplined defense is perfectly positioned to exploit South Carolina’s turnover issues. The Gators thrive on forcing mistakes, and with South Carolina’s ball-handling woes, expect Florida to control the pace and generate easy points off turnovers.
Betting Prediction
-
Spread: Florida -11.0
The Gators have the defensive edge and offensive firepower to pull away from the Gamecocks. With South Carolina struggling against SEC foes, Florida should cover this double-digit spread with ease. -
Total: Under 144.0
South Carolina’s offensive inconsistencies and Florida’s ability to control the tempo with their defense suggest this game will stay under the total.
Prediction: Florida 78, South Carolina 61.
Bet on Florida to dominate defensively and cover the spread while keeping the total under.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
