The South Carolina men’s basketball team (8-6) travels to face No. 2 Kentucky (14-1) on Saturday to open up SEC play. The game will take place at Rupp Arena with a tip scheduled for 4 p.m.
Kentucky holds a 44-10 advantage in the all-time series against South Carolina, including a 23-2 upperhand in games played in Lexington. The Gamecocks face a tall task in attempting to defeat the mighty Wildcats but it can be done.
For it to happen, the Gamecocks must execute these three things:
1. Ellington and Cooke Have to Carry the Team – Sophomore guard Bruce Ellington has been stellar from beyond the arc over the course of the last two games, hitting 8-of-9 attempts from 3-point range. He has to have a hot hand today versus UK. If he can get hot from beyond the arc, then the Gamecocks have a chance to keep up with UK. Underneath, Malik Cook has to play his best game of the season. He must be aggressive in his rebounding and get the easy baskets to fall.
2. SC must out-rebound UK – it is a mighty feat but stranger things can happen. South Carolina ranks first in the SEC in rebounding defense, as Carolina opponents collect just 31.9 rebounds per game. The Gamecocks have out-rebounded nine of 14 opponents this season. If USC can do this, it limits the second chance opportunities for UK and that is a plus in this game.
3. Help from UK – Let’s be honest, for USC to straight up defeat UK is hard to accomplish so the Gamecocks need help. They need UK to be cold in their shooting, turn the ball over, making mental mistakes and USC must capitalize off these errors.
So, will the upset happen? Doubt it but hoping for a miracle. Look for UK to win by 13.
