It was a wild Sunday in the world of SEC basketball, and the league was able to notch two Top 25 victories.
Georgia took down Saint Mary’s, and Texas A&M dominated on the road at USC while Florida and Missouri falling late after holding big leads.
As for my predictions record? It took a few hits with the Texas A&M and Florida results, but with only one game on the schedule on Monday, perhaps things will get back on track.
As always, my predictions are based on team analysis and who I think will win. Score projections are for my own amusement.
Let’s get to today’s pick.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 68-11
South Carolina at Florida International – 7 PM EST, CBS Sports Network
Frank Martin will coach at his alma mater for the first time ever, and that’s certainly quite the storyline for a man that has accomplished extraordinary feats with the Gamecocks.
South Carolina rebounded nicely from its loss in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off opener to Illinois State, as the Gamecocks won the final two and have had eight days to rest up for this one.
As for the Panthers, they haven’t seen similar fortunes.
The Panthers’ only two wins of the season have come against Florida Memorial and Concordia, with the three defeats coming at the hands of Stetson, Elon, and Milwaukee.
Simply put, FIU hasn’t seen a team even close to South Carolina’s level yet.
Something else that works in the Gamecocks’ favor: The Panthers are 339th in offensive efficiency.
Considering how Martin’s team plays defense, that’s not ideal.
South Carolina controls the game from start to finish in a blowout victory.
Prediction: South Carolina 78, FIU 57
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