The South Carolina Gameoccks basketball team square off in a home game against the USC-Upstate Spartans. Tip-off is noon today at the Colonial Life Arena.
Here is a quick preview:
The Gamecocks (6-6) are 5-3 for the season when playing at home and have won four of their last five games. The Spartans (8-5) have a road record of 4-5. The Gamecocks are ranked No. 172 in the RPI whereas the Spartans are ranked No. 120 in the RPI.
Last season, the Gamecocks beat the Spartans, 57-41 and have a 2-0 record against them in the last four years.
Spartans Player to Watch
Craig Torrey. The team from the Upstate is paced by sophomore foward Craig Torrey with 16.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. USC must limit him around the basket and not give him any easy shots.
Gamecocks Player to Watch
Damien Leonard. Can he continue his hot hand? He has hit 50% (10-20) of his attempts from beyond the arc in the last five games.
Key Stat
South Carolina has held its last two opponents under the 50-point plateau, as SE Louisiana tallied just 43 points and Wofford 45. It is the first time the Gamecocks have held consecutive opponents under 50 points since Furman posted 48 on Dec. 5, 2008, followed by NC Central with 43 points in the next contest on Dec. 16.
Three keys for a USC win
1. Rebound – In their last outing, USC got out rebounded. USC must crash the boards and limit the second chance opportunities for USC-Upstate.
2. Start out hot – USC can not start this noon game cold as the Spartans will not roll over. It is important for USC to come out ready to play today.
3. Cooke – Along with Damien Leonard being effective, USC needs a strong game from Malik Cooke today.
Expect USC to win by 7 and expect it to be tight until late in the game.
