The SEC is off to a great start in the 2017-18 season, and it could get even better with Sunday’s slate of games.
While several games should result in blowout wins for SEC squads, one team has a chance to notch a Top 10 win just nine days into the season.
Will Vanderbilt be able to do that against USC? And will Auburn and South Carolina finish tournament play with victories?
Let’s get to today’s picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 33-4
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at Georgia – 1 PM EST, SEC Network+
I’d prefer this to be Georgia vs. Texas A&M, but we get the next best thing as the Bulldogs host the Islanders.
Texas A&M-CC is 1-2 this season, with that victory coming in a 69-68 nail-biter against Our Lady of the Lake to start the year.
Need I say more?
Prediction: Georgia 80, Texas A&M-CC 53
South Carolina vs. Western Michigan – 2 PM EST, ESPNU (Puerto Rico Tip-Off)
It’s rare to see a non-conference rematch a week and a half into the season, but that’s what we’re getting in this Puerto Rico Tip-Off showdown.
The Gamecocks scored a 78-60 win over Western Michigan less than a week ago, and there were a few things that stood out:
- The Broncos shot just 36.2 percent from the floor
- South Carolina earned a 46-32 advantage in rebounding
- Four Gamecocks scored in double figures, while Thomas Wilder (23 points) was the only Western Michigan player to hit that mark
I get the sense that Frank Martin’s team wins again, but it may be a little closer this time around.
Prediction: South Carolina 74, Western Michigan 63
New Hampshire at Florida – 6 PM EST, SEC Network (Game Preview)
The Gators are averaging 112 points per game through two games, which isn’t all that bad.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire is 1-1 on the year, with the most recent game being a 78-60 loss at Texas.
I’ll say Florida’s 100-point streak ends here, but it’ll be the same result as it has been for Mike White’s squad.
Prediction: Florida 90, New Hampshire 67
Auburn vs. Hofstra – 7 PM EST, ESPNU (Charleston Classic, Game Preview)
Auburn’s loss to Temple wasn’t as bad as some made it out to be, but the defensive woes for the Tigers were once again present.
That will likely continue to be a theme all year long against teams that slow the tempo, and that’s what Hofstra will try to do in this game.
However, Auburn is still the better team overall, and I think the Tigers score enough in transition and off of offensive rebounds to score the win.
Prediction: Auburn 78, Hofstra 69
No. 10 USC at Vanderbilt – 8 PM EST, SEC Network
USC guard De’Anthony Melton remains out due to the FBI’s ongoing investigation, but the Trojans are still loaded with talent across the board.
The length and athleticism of Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu is sure to give the Commodores problems, and that’s not ideal for a team that’s trying to find a consistent post presence post-Luke Kornet.
USC hasn’t shot the ball particularly well thus far, and perhaps that’s something that Vanderbilt can take advantage of in the early going.
This is a clash in styles in that the Trojans want to put up shots in a hurry while Vanderbilt will try to focus on making USC play a half court game.
The experience and shooting ability of Riley LaChance, Matthew Fisher-Davis, and Jeff Roberson will allow the Commodores to make this a game for a while, but I feel like this Vandy team remains a work in progress for now.
USC pulls away in the second half to earn the cross-country road win.
Prediction: USC 77, Vanderbilt 65
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