What To Watch For In Tonight’s Road Match-Up In Oxford

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Another week, yet another slate of games that could go either way for the Gamecocks.

Tonight at 7:00, Frank Martin’s squad puts their three-game win streak on the line against Ole Miss, a team that is hungry for a much-needed victory to right the ship on their season.

The Rebels have lost eight of their last nine matchups, including heartbreaking losses to Arkansas, LSU, and Auburn, all of those being home games for Ole Miss that were decided by a total of nine points.  

Just by looking at the records and streaks these teams are on, this game could easily be one that the Gamecocks overlook.

Ole Miss has only won one conference game and the last time they won at home was back in December, but they have proven that they are a scrappy team who can stay competitive with anyone.

This game cannot be taken lightly by the Gamecocks and any road environment in the SEC can be a scary one.  

The Rebels live and die by the production of senior guard Breein Tyree and Irmo native Devontae Shuler, both of whom average over 35 minutes played per game.

Tyree and Shuler are the only two Rebels averaging double digit points per game in SEC play, so expect a heavy dose of Ole Miss’ two best guards.  

The Gamecocks are the more talented team and should continue their winning ways if they play with the same intensity and efficiency that they have been showing lately.

However, Carolina’s depth will be tested more than usual tonight without the services of Justin Minaya.

The void left by Minaya will have to be filled by either Trae Hannibal or Jair Bolden, and they are both more than capable of stepping up in the newly available minutes.

Both Hannibal and Bolden have been difference-makers in some of the Gamecocks’ big wins this season, with Bolden’s 22-point performance on the road at Virginia helping Carolina pull the upset and Hannibal’s excellent defensive performance being a key factor in the road victory last week over Arkansas.

Prediction

Like I said earlier, Carolina is the better team and should take care of business tonight if they are prepared for the environment that they’ll face in Oxford.

I expect the Gamecocks to continue their winning ways on the road this evening and for them to keep building towards an NCAA Tournament berth.

It might be ugly at times, but the Gamecocks will come out on top.

South Carolina 74, Ole Miss 63

Go Cocks.

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