South Carolina Gamecocks vs Tennessee Volunteers: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN

When: Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30 PM EST

How (TV): SEC Network.

South Carolina Gamecocks (Away)

Head Coach: Frank Martin {Overall: 12-11 .522 W-L% | 7-3, 4th in SEC}

The South Carolina Gamecocks have had an inconsistent season overall. After going .500 in their first eight games, the Gamecocks were victim to a four game losing streak, then recovered with a five-game winning streak.

The Gamecocks aren’t one of the strongest teams, but in the SEC they can capably match their competition. While they’ve struggled against most of the stronger teams in the country they have been able to take down top-ranked teams like Mississippi State and Auburn.

Tennessee is a team that lives by their interior play on both the offensive and defensive end of the court. The Gamecocks attempt almost a third of their field-goals from three this season. If the Gamecocks can stretch the floor against the Volunteers, they may be able to open up Tennessee’s tough interior defence.

Tennessee Volunteers (Home)

Head Coach: Rick Barnes {Overall: 22-1 .957 W-L% | Conference: 10-0, 1st in SEC}

The Volunteers have been fantastic so far this season. The Volunteers haven’t lost since November 28th 2018 and have taken fantastic wins over the likes of Gonzaga, Florida, and Georgia.

Tennessee has been dominant on the inside as they have shot 58% from within the arc, good enough for seventh in the country. At the same time, the Volunteers have been able to slow their opponents offensively, holding them to 44% from within the arc and 32% from beyond the arc.

South Carolina is not the strongest team in the SEC, but they have a team that spreads the floor and moves the ball to generate good opportunities. The Gamecocks have faced some tough competition, so the Volunteers will have to be wary of their competitiveness despite their record.

South Carolina Gamecocks Roster Notes

G TJ Moss – 19 Dec 2018 – (Ankle) is out for the season.

G Jermaine Cousinard – 6 Nov 2018 – (Academics) is out indefinitely.

F Justin Minaya – 2 Jan 2019 – (Knee) is out for the season.

F Jason Cudd – 13 Jan 2019 – (Knee) is out for the season.

Tennessee Volunteers Roster Notes

F Zach Kent – 9 Nov 2018 – (Knee) is out indefinitely.

F Yves Pons – 11 Feb 2019 – (Face) missed last game, but is likely to play.

Head-to-Head: Chris Silva (SC) vs Grant Williams (TEN)

Chris Silva

Forward | 6-9, 234lb (206cm, 106kg) | Roselle Catholic HS | Libreville, Gabon | Senior

13.7 PPG | 0.9 APG | 7.0 RPG | 0.7 SPG | 2.0 BPG | 2.2 TOV | .521 FG% | .381 3P%

Grant Williams

Forward | 6-7, 236lb (201cm, 107kg) | Providence Day School | Charlotte, NC | Junior

19.9 PPG | 3.3 APG | 7.3 RPG | 1.2 SPG | 1.5 BPG | 2.2 TOV | .581 FG% | .300 3P%

Two powerful big men will come to blows when Chris Silva and Grant Williams contest the paint. Both players do most of their work in the paint and glass. While Chris Silva has taken small steps to expand his game to three-point range, Grant Williams has tripled his assist average since his freshman year.

Rarely is there a player on the court bigger or stronger than Chris Silva. Standing 6’9 and 234 lbs the Gabon-born Silva is an absolute load in the paint. He has an array of different post moves that allow him to make baskets from the free-throw line and within and also converts at a respectable 75% from the charity stripe.

More of the offence is running through Grant Williams this season. Against zone defences Tennessee can rely on Williams’ ability to pass out of the high-post, seeing as teams struggle to defend him in the paint. What he lacks in size he makes up for with a decent handle and impressive will to attack the rim.

South Carolina Gamecocks at Tennessee Volunteers Predictions and Odds

The odds makers have the Tennessee Volunteers favoured over the South Carolina Gamecocks by 18, with an over/under of 110.