South Carolina will try to earn its fourth win of the season when it hosts Wofford on Monday night.
The Gamecocks have been up and down to start the season but managed to build some momentum with a 90-55 victory over George Washington at the Hall of Fame Tip-Off.
Meanwhile, the Terriers are 4-2 on the season, with the two losses coming to North Carolina and Oklahoma.
Let’s run through what to watch for in this matchup.
Game Details
- South Carolina (3-2) vs. Wofford (4-2)
- Location: Colonial Life Arena – Columbia, SC
- Game Date: Nov. 26
- Game Time: 7 p.m. EST
- Watch: SEC Network+
Players to Watch
Chris Silva (South Carolina)
The 6-9 senior continues to be the most important piece of the puzzle for the Gamecocks.
Silva is currently averaging 10.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, but he’s only been able to play 23.2 minutes per contest due to issues with foul trouble.
He simply has to be on the floor more for South Carolina to rise up the SEC ladder this season, as the Gamecocks typically struggle to find a rhythm on both sides of the court when he’s on the bench.
Fletcher Magee (Wofford)
Magee’s consistency is once again on display, with the 6-4 senior posting at least 16 points in each of the first six games for the Terriers.
After averaging 22.1 points per game during the ’17-18 season, there’s no doubt that he is one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball.
Key Stats
South Carolina’s biggest strength is still on the defensive side of the court, with Frank Martin’s team holding teams to 38.4 percent from 2-point range (fifth nationally) while posting a 42.2 percent effective field-goal percentage defense (11th nationally).
Wofford should be able to at least limit the Gamecocks’ chances at turning defense into offense, as the Terriers rank 15th nationally with only 9.8 turnovers per contest.
Of course, this game will likely be decided from beyond the arc due to the high number of 3-pointers that Wofford puts up each game.
The Terriers rank 22nd in 3-point attempts with 28.8 per game, and they’ll go up against a South Carolina squad that’s been decent enough in that area definitely in holding opponents to 32.1 percent (130th nationally).
Game Outlook
- Spread: South Carolina -8.5
- Over/Under: 141.5
- KenPom Projection: South Carolina, 77 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: South Carolina, 64.2 percent chance to win
While the computers seem to lean towards South Carolina as a somewhat convincing favorite, I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate.
The Gamecocks did unleash some frustration in the 35-point win over George Washington but that was eight days ago, and this is still a team that’s been very inconsistent thus far this season.
Wofford had good showings against North Carolina and Oklahoma – losing each game by 11 points – and already playing that level of competition will help going into this game.
If Silva stays out of foul trouble, the Gamecocks should be able to hold on for the win.
But this game feels like one that will be the close the entire way.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 59-13
Game Prediction: South Carolina 70, Wofford 68
For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.