South Carolina (10-14) at Florida (21-3)
- When: Feb 15 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Where to watch: SEC Network
Game Preview
Florida is favored by 13.5 | Total: 143.5
Florida looks to keep rolling at home, while South Carolina hopes to snap a brutal SEC losing streak. Let’s break down both teams and their chances in this conference clash.
Florida Gators
Florida has been dominant in recent weeks, securing back-to-back road wins over top-25 opponents despite dealing with injuries. Now returning home, the Gators will look to extend their four-game winning streak and continue their push toward the top of the SEC standings.
Their depth has been a key factor, especially with Alijah Martin (hip pointer) and Alex Condon (ankle sprain) both questionable for Saturday’s matchup. Martin, the team’s second-leading scorer (15.3 PPG), has missed time but was able to practice before their 81-68 win over Mississippi State on Tuesday. His availability remains uncertain, but Denzel Aberdeen stepped up in a big way, scoring 20 points off the bench, including 14 in the second half.
The Gators’ ability to adapt and adjust has been impressive. Walter Clayton Jr. (17.5 PPG) continues to be the go-to option, while Thomas Haugh has stepped up, scoring 16 points in back-to-back games. Florida’s depth was tested in their last game, as Condon exited early with an ankle injury following what coach Todd Golden called a “dirty play.”
Florida’s offensive efficiency has been on full display, with the team shooting 54.8% in the second half against Mississippi State and going 8-for-16 from three-point range. They will be looking for a stronger defensive effort this time around, after barely escaping South Carolina with a 70-69 road win on January 22.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina has had a brutal SEC campaign, still searching for their first conference win of the season at 0-11. However, the Gamecocks have been more competitive than their record suggests, suffering six SEC losses by six points or fewer—including their one-point loss to Florida in their first meeting.
Despite their struggles, Collin Murray-Boyles (15.6 PPG) has been a bright spot. He scored 20 points in their most recent loss to No. 19 Ole Miss, but missed a potential game-tying layup in the closing seconds. South Carolina nearly erased a 13-point deficit in that game but couldn’t close it out, continuing a frustrating pattern of close-but-no-cigar finishes.
Coach Lamont Paris expressed frustration and empathy for his team’s struggles, particularly in road games, where South Carolina has lost by an average of 18.4 points per game in SEC play. Their last away game ended in a 23-point blowout loss at Kentucky, so they will need a massive defensive improvement to keep things competitive against Florida.
Betting Prediction
Florida has been in great form, covering the spread in four of their last five while proving their depth can withstand injuries. South Carolina, despite keeping games close at home, has been awful on the road. The Gamecocks have yet to win in conference play, and their defense has been a liability, especially against teams with high-scoring backcourts like Florida.
Expect the Gators to push the tempo and exploit South Carolina’s weak perimeter defense, with Clayton Jr. and Aberdeen leading the charge. South Carolina may hang around early, but Florida’s superior depth and scoring options should allow them to pull away late.
Pick: Florida -13.5
Predicted Score: Florida 80, South Carolina 62
Lean: Under 143.5 (if South Carolina’s offense continues to struggle)
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
