Tonight is the final home game for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks (14-14, 5-9 SEC) and they will take on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide (14-14, 4-10 SEC).
Let’s call this the battle of the .500 ‘s.
Good news is ‘Bama is down a man (thanks JaMychal Green) and could be without Senario Hillman for some unrelated basketball issues. This is a automatic boost for the chances of USC in ending their five game losing streak. Bad to say it but they need the help. SC was a favorite to win this game before the good news from Alabama concerning team violations.
The Gamecocks will gain relay on Devan Downey and he has to have more than his twelve point production that he put forth last game. Also the Gamecocks need good interior play, so Muldrow and Jackson need to bring their strong game. Both have played well the last few games and will need to put forth good effort tonight to bring down the ‘Bama zone.
The Crimson Tide will relay on Mikhail Torrence, who I am sure has a ‘green light’ tonight to shoot. So Carolina’s defense needs to hold down the perimeter and get some rebounds. ‘Bama will thin so if USC decides to press this game it could work to their advantage in wearing the team down.
I see USC winning this game unless SC has a horrible night with turnovers and poor shooting. I envision USC winning this by at least 10 points. Look for Devan to have a great curtain call with at least 25 points.
The Gamecocks are 12-10 during coach Darrin Horn’s tenure following a defeat. Alabama leads the overall series 19-12 between these two schools.
Next Game: South Carolina at Vanderbilt, 2 p.m. Saturday
