The South Carolina Gamecocks (17-3) are attempting to prepare for an upset over the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (15-4) in an excellent SEC showdown coming up on Tuesday, January 30 at 6:30 PM ET. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook offers the Volunteers as heavy favorites with a point spread at -14.0 (-114).

When: January 30, 2024 at 6:30 PM ET

Where: Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee

Watch: SECN

South Carolina Gamecocks Preview

The Gamecocks are currently on a three-game winning streak, showing excellent momentum at the best possible time. Their most recent win was a 72-64 outing over the Missouri Tigers. Prior to that, they took care of the previously sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats at 79-62.

Meechie Johnson is leading their offense and will be a key figure in their success. Currently, he averages 15.7 points, grabs 4.1 rebounds, shoots 41.9 percent from the field, and makes 82.1 percent of his free throws.

The Gamecocks average 73.2 points per game and rank 216th in the league. They move the ball solidly with 15.0 assists, which shows they can come up with good scoring opportunities. Their efficiency with the basketball ranks 73rd overall, with a rating of 111.7.

On defense, they rank 28th in the nation as they allow 64.5 points per game from opponents. They put up 3.5 blocks and 4.9 steals too that could cause some hiccups for the Vols. Their defensive efficiency ranks 90th, with a rating of 98.3.

Tennessee Volunteers Preview

The Volunteers are seeking out their fifth consecutive win and will have the comfort of playing in their home arena on their side. Their most recent win was a 75-62 performance over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Their offense thrives through Dalton Knecht, who is landing 19.5 points per game and ranks 34th in the country for his effort. He also connects on 49.0 percent of his shots and has an 80.0 percent accuracy from the foul line.

The Vols put up 79.5 points per game and rank 61st in the nation. They have appealing ball movement on offense with 17.1 assists each game and offer a better opportunity at getting good shots. Their efficiency on this end ranks 60th, with a rating of 112.4.

Defensively, they are holding their opponents to 66.1 points each game and rank 47th overall. They accumulate 4.9 blocks and 8.1 steals each matchup too. This adds to their efficiency in getting stops, with a rating of 93.4 and rank 18th.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook has you covered in this SEC showdown for the best odds. Currently, the Tennessee Volunteers are heavy favorites as they are at home. Their winning probability comes in at 92.0 percent, according to market analysis.

South Carolina Gamecocks

Spread: +14.0 (-112)

Tennessee Volunteers

Spread: -14.0 (-114)

Total Points: Over 136.5 (-114), Under 136.5 (-112)

Photo Credit: © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK