Mississippi State vs South Carolina Prediction 1-4-25 College Basketball Picks
South Carolina (10-3) vs. Mississippi State (12-1)
January 4, 2025 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Mississippi State -10.5; Over/Under: +142.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Mississippi State vs South Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 4th at the Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are 12-1 (0-0) this season after they defeated Bethune-Cookman by a score of 87-73 in their last game. Mississippi State led 52-45 at halftime and they held BC to just 28 points in the second half in the win. The Bulldogs shot 50.8% from the field, 32% on three-pointers, and 70.8% on free throws in the game. Riley Kugel led Mississippi State with 22 points and four rebounds, while Josh Hubbard added 16 points and two rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Bulldogs defeated Memphis by a score of 79-66 and Central Michigan by a score of 83-59. Mississippi State has won six games in a row and their only loss this season was against Butler. Mississippi State has scored 83.9 points per game and they have allowed 68 points per game, while also averaging 39.5 rebounds and 17.6 assists per game this season. Josh Hubbard is averaging 17.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while Claudell Harris Jr. is averaging 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this year. Mississippi State is shooting 46.9% from the field, 68.9% on free throws, and 34.2% on three-pointers this season.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview
The South Carolina Gamecocks are 10-3 (0-0) this year after they defeated Presbyterian by a score of 69-59 in their last game. South Carolina trailed 32-24 at halftime, but they scored 45 points in the second half for the win. The Gamecocks shot 45.8% from the field, 38.5% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Collin Murray-Boyles led South Carolina with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Nick Pringle added 14 points and five rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Gamecocks defeated Radford by a score of 74-48 and Clemson by a score of 91-88. South Carolina has won seven games in a row, including two wins over Virginia Tech and Boston College. South Carolina has scored 75.6 points per game and they have allowed 65.6 points per game, while also averaging 36.8 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Collin Murray-Boyles is averaging 16.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while Jamarii Thomas is averaging 12.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. South Carolina is shooting 45.8% from the field, 69.2% on free throws, and 35.2% on three-pointers this season.
Why Mississippi State will beat South Carolina
- Mississippi State has won each of its last nine games at Humphrey Coliseum against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- South Carolina has lost nine of its last 10 day games against AP-ranked opponents.
- South Carolina has lost the first half in each of its last nine day games against AP-ranked opponents.
Why South Carolina will beat Mississippi State
- South Carolina has won each of its last seven games.
- South Carolina has won the first half in four of its last five day games against Mississippi State.
Total Points Facts
- Fifteen of Mississippi State’s last 16 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
- Nineteen of South Carolina’s last 24 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
Mississippi State vs South Carolina Prediction
Mississippi State comes into conference play with just one loss on the season and they will be at home for this game. The Bulldogs do have ranked wins against Memphis and Pittsburgh, while also beating Utah and SMU. Mississippi State is scoring nearly 84 points per game and they are averaging 39.5 rebounds per game. South Carolina does have a ranked win against Clemson, but they also have a bad loss against North Florida. The Gamecocks don’t have the offensive numbers that Mississippi State has, but their defense has been slightly better. This should be a pretty good battle to open SEC play and I think we are going to see a lower-scoring game, as South Carolina tries to really slow things down. Take the under in this contest.
