The No. 7-ranked UConn Huskies take on the No. 4-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. Tip-off for this matchup of women's basketball blue bloods and top-10 teams is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 16. Two of UConn's three losses have been on the road this season - vs. then-No. 8-ranked Notre Dame and No. 19-ranked Tennessee.
South Carolina is undefeated at home this year. Let’s take a look at the odds and preview the game.
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UConn vs. South Carolina Betting Preview
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Details
- Betting Line: South Carolina -6.5 (-105) | O/U 136.5 (-108/-112)
- Location: Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC
- Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 16
- Coverage: ABC/Disney+/ESPN+.
- Last Meeting: February 11, 2024 - South Carolina won 83-65
Overview
South Carolina bounced back from its first SEC loss last Sunday to Texas (66-62) since the 2021-22 season (57 games) with a dominant performance against Florida 101-63 on Thursday. Joyce Edwards led the way for the Gamecocks with 28 points and five rebounds. She was one of four players to score in double digits.
However, it is one thing to dominate a mediocre Florida team and another to face off with a top-10 UConn squad. The Gators were a strong offensive team but among the worst in the country on defense (No. 308). They'll certainly face a much tougher challenge on the defensive end of the court from the Huskies.
UConn ranks No. 3 in the nation on defense, allowing just 52.1 points per game this season. They've held 14 opponents to 52 points or fewer and the last two to just 40 points. South Carolina boasts the No. 12-ranked offense (81.1 points per game). However, at the same time, South Carolina's defense (No. 30; 56.1 points per game allowed) will have a challenge on its hands containing UConn's No. 14-ranked offense (80.7 points per game).
Paige Bueckers isn't having an award-winning season but leads the way for the Huskies with 18.7 points per game, followed by Sarah Strong (16.1 points per game). Senior Azzi Fudd led the way for UConn against St. John's on Tuesday with 34 points.
Joyce Edwards is the leading scorer for South Carolina (12.9 points per game). She is one of three Gamecocks averaging double-digit points.
Trends
- UConn and South Carolina have played 14 times; UConn leads the series 9-5.
- South Carolina has won five of the last six meetings.
- UConn has not won in Columbia since February 1st, 2018 (83-58).
- South Carolina has not lost at home since December 3rd, 2020 - vs. NC State (54-46).
Bottom Line
Whenever fans have two blue bloods facing off, there is one thing they can be assured of: It's going to be a fantastic game. Both teams have high-powered offenses but also one of the best defenses in women's basketball. South Carolina is almost impossible to beat at home, but I can't get over how they don't have a go-to scoring threat.
It's great that everyone is talented and capable, but who do they go to in crunch time with the game on the line? A 6.5-point spread feels a bit generous, even with South Carolina playing at home. I’m leaning toward taking UConn and the points, but I don’t feel confident about that pick. This game will be a defensive battle.
Pick: Under 136.5 Points (-112 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
