Mississippi State at South Carolina (-1.5) - 4:30pm Pacific

Gamecocks are having a fine season.  They lost four starters and were picked by many to finish last in the SEC East.  They have surprised everyone with their 6-3 start in conference play and 19-4 overall record.  Those records could be even better if not for a narrow 3 point loss to Florida, and a one point loss at Kentucky in their last game.  The Gamecocks started the season strong as is, but bolstered their size and depth with the return of 6-9 senior forward Rolando Howell (injury/suspension) 11 games ago.  They are playing outstanding defense ranking #1 in the SEC in scoring defense (also #1 in the nation), FG% defense, 3-point FG% defense, turnover margin, and blocked shots.

 

Miss State is coming off a big home win over instate rival Ole Miss.  Head coach Rick Stansbury was ejected early on in the game.  The Bulldogs won impressively on the road at Florida, but the Gators were without starting forward Christian Drejer (4th on team in scoring, 3rd in rebounding, 1st in assists) and not themselves that day.  Miss State has yet to get a best effort from an opposing home team.  Their other road wins have come vs the likes of Western Kentucky, Santa Clara, Tulane, Ark Little Rock, Ole Miss, LSU, and Auburn.  Miss State only uses a seven man rotation.  Their lack of depth is sure to catch up with them sooner or later and any kind of foul trouble will give them problems.

 

Dave Odom has called senior guard Mike Boyton the best leader he has ever coached.  Boyton quote on this game, "It's probably the biggest game I've ever played in."  I really do not believe Miss State will be able to match the South Carolina's intensity level tonight.  They are calling this "blackout" night at the two year old Colonial Center as all fans will be asked to dress in black.  It will be Miss State's first time ever playing here.  Give the small number.

 

South Carolina  1 UNIT