Early morning college basketball is the best, isn’t it?
We get two of those games today in the SEC, with both South Carolina and Auburn taking the court before noon.
But the best game on the schedule will come later on when we get an SEC vs. Pac-12 showdown.
Let’s get to today’s picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 22-2
South Carolina vs. Illinois State – 11:30 AM EST, ESPN2 (Puerto Rico Tip Off)
The Gamecocks have used defense (surprise!) to win their first two games in convincing fashion.
Frank Martin’s squad held Wofford to 35 percent shooting and Western Michigan to 36 percent, so even if there are still concerns as to how South Carolina replaces important offensive pieces, the defense isn’t going anywhere.
Meanwhile, Illinois State lost its opener at Florida Gulf Coast, but got 28 points from Keyshawn Evans and 24 points from Phil Fayne. The Redbirds also made 14 3-pointers, which is something to keep an eye on.
However, something tells me that South Carolina won’t let that happen.
Prediction: South Carolina 71, Indiana State 62
Auburn vs. Indiana State – 11:30 AM EST, ESPNU (Charleston Classic)
Speaking of teams that have been red hot from the 3-point line, that was the case for Indiana State when it went 17 of 26 from beyond the arc in a blowout win at Indiana.
Perimeter defense hasn’t been a specialty for Auburn, and that’s a big concern coming into this one.
But despite seemingly everything going against the Tigers off the court in recent months, there is still reason for optimism on the court.
Even without Austin Wiley and Danjel Purifoy, Auburn has good depth and athleticism. If Bryce Brown and Anfernee McLemore can follow up their impressive play in the opening night win over Norfolk State, it’ll go a long way toward keeping the Tigers on track.
Bruce Pearl’s team finds a way to outscore the Sycamores.
Prediction: Auburn 81, Indiana State 77
North Florida at No. 8 Florida – 7 PM EST, SEC Network
The Gators were not playing around in their 42-point to open up the new campaign, and that was especially the case for Rice transfer Egor Koulechov.
He was simply on fire in scoring 34 points and going 6 of 9 from 3-point land, which wasn’t a surprising development to those that have seen him play.
The addition of Koulechov gives Florida another dangerous scoring threat to go alongside KeVaughn Allen, and that one-two punch will be enough to score another huge home win over a North Florida team that has already played at Michigan State, Michigan, and VCU.
Prediction: Florida 98, North Florida 70
Missouri at Utah – 8 PM EST, Pac-12 Network
Your game of the night in the SEC, as the Tigers head to Salt Lake City without Michael Porter Jr.
Sources tell @krcg13 that Michael Porter Junior did not travel to Utah with the Mizzou basketball team. The Tigers will play their first road game of the season against the Utes Thursday night.
— Rod Smith (@RodKRCG13) November 16, 2017
There are obviously concerns over how serious Porter’s injury could be, but the good news is that we’re already seeing how talented Missouri is elsewhere.
Cuonzo Martin has plenty of depth to work with in the frontcourt, and young guys like Jeremiah Tilmon and Jontay Porter will continue to develop as the season progresses.
But this is a tough spot for the Tigers. This isn’t Larry Krystkowiak’s deepest team, but it’s still one that’ll play hard-nosed defense in making things difficult for visitors to the Huntsman Center.
I give a slight edge to the Utes here due to concerns about Missouri staying out of foul trouble against experienced bigs in David Collette and Tyler Rawson.
Prediction: Utah 74, Missouri 71
Samford at LSU – 8 PM EST, SEC Network+
Samford gets another chance at knocking off an SEC foe on the road, with the first opportunity not going so well in the 39-point blowout at Arkansas.
However, this game figures to be a bit closer as LSU continues to develop under new head coach Will Wade.
The Tigers were very impressive in their 99-59 win over Alcorn State, with freshman guard Tremont Waters showing his potential in scoring 27 points on the night.
I think that blowout against the Razorbacks will help the Bulldogs in that they’re going to see similar defensive pressure.
Although my pick of Samford playing an SEC team close didn’t go so well last time around, I do think Scott Padgett puts his team in position to have a shot late in the second half.
But I’ll stick with LSU to score a second-straight victory to open up the season.
Prediction: LSU 80, Samford 72