Kentucky Wildcats vs South Carolina Gamecocks Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 24 2026
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Kentucky travels to Columbia to take on South Carolina at Colonial Life Arena (Columbia, SC) on Tuesday at 7:00 PM, with the game airing on SEC Network. Kentucky is listed as a 5.5-point favorite, and the total is set at 148.5, while at the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline. For more insight across the board, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.
Kentucky Searching for Momentum in SEC Play
Kentucky enters this matchup at 17-10 overall with an 8-6 record in SEC action. A road record was not provided in the information available, but the Wildcats are trying to stabilize after a mixed stretch. Over their last five games, they as recently lost to Auburn 75-74, lost to Georgia 86-78, lost to Florida 92-83, won over Tennessee 74-71, and won over Oklahoma 94-78.
The Wildcats are averaging 81.2 points per game while allowing 72.8, and they are shooting 47% from the field. They grab 38.1 rebounds per contest and average 16.0 assists per game, showing strong balance between interior and perimeter scoring.
Where Kentucky stands out is defensive activity and rim protection. They average 4.7 blocks and 7.1 steals per game, which can create scoring swings. Even though they’ve allowed some high point totals in recent losses, their overall defensive numbers suggest they have the tools to slow down an opponent that hasn’t consistently produced in conference play.
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South Carolina Trying to Play Spoiler at Home
South Carolina comes into this contest at 12-15 overall with a 3-11 mark in SEC play. A home record was not included in the provided information, but the Gamecocks have had difficulty maintaining consistency. In their last five games, they as recently won over Mississippi State 97-89, lost to Florida 76-62, lost to Alabama 89-75, lost to Missouri 78-59, and lost to Texas 84-75.
The Gamecocks are averaging 76.7 points per game while allowing 76.4, and they are shooting 44% from the field. They collect 32.9 rebounds per contest and average 13.7 assists per game. South Carolina can score in stretches, as shown by the 97-point outing against Mississippi State, but sustaining that level has been challenging.
Defensively, South Carolina’s numbers are a concern in this matchup. Allowing 76.4 points per game against a Kentucky team averaging over 81 puts pressure on them to keep pace offensively. With fewer blocks and steals than Kentucky, they may struggle to generate the defensive disruption needed to flip momentum.
Kentucky vs South Carolina Pick
Kentucky vs South Carolina spread pick
- Pick: Kentucky -5.5
Kentucky’s offensive balance and slightly stronger defensive profile give them the edge here. The Wildcats average 81.2 points per game and have shown the ability to score in the mid-80s or higher. South Carolina has dropped four of its last five and is allowing over 76 points per game. If Kentucky plays to its season average and limits defensive lapses, they should be able to cover this number.
Kentucky vs South Carolina total pick
- Pick: Over 148.5
I’m leaning over because both teams average in the mid-to-high 70s offensively, and Kentucky has shown a tendency to be involved in games that push into the 150 range. South Carolina’s defensive inconsistency also suggests Kentucky could approach or exceed its scoring average. If both teams land near their typical outputs, this total has a strong path to clearing the number.
Final Score Prediction: Kentucky 82, South Carolina 74
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