Oregon vs. South Carolina Prediction: Should You Fade B.J. Mack, Gamecocks in Round of 64?
The Oregon Ducks will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday afternoon to get March Madness underway. Can Dana Altman's team shut down B.J. Mack and the Gamecocks in the Round of 64? Krabs provides his best bet for Oregon vs. South Carolina.
Krabs - March 21, 2024, 8:50 AM EDT
5 minOregon vs. South Carolina Prediction: Should You Fade B.J. Mack, Gamecocks in Round of 64?
Would you believe me if I told you that Dana Altman is undefeated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in his coaching career at Oregon. There’s something special about the Ducks in March. Coach Altman always seems to get the best out of his guys at the end of the season. He’ll have an opportunity to stay perfect on Thursday, as the Ducks take on the Gamecocks.
Oregon vs. South Carolina DATE, TIME, WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: TNT
Oregon vs. South Carolina Prediction
I typically don’t like backing trends like this, but with Oregon opening up a short underdog and moving towards a Pick ‘Em, I am left with no choice. It doesn’t hurt that N’Faly Dante is playing out of his mind for the Ducks right now, either. He’s scored 20+ points in three of his last five games. Dante has grabbed double-digit rebounds in four of his last five games. Oregon’s best player is peaking at the right time.
South Carolina was one of the best teams ATS this season, finishing the year 23-10. Their overall record was even better, recording only seven losses this season. South Carolina was projected to finish last in the SEC this season, but Meechie Johnson and B.J. Mack didn’t care. This team overperformed the entire season.
After a glorious year, the Gamecocks still aren’t getting line respect in this spot, which caught my eye immediately. The books have gotten destroyed by South Carolina this season. If they were going to win this game, they would be a heavier favorite. Oddsmakers aren’t losing money on the Gamecocks in their most-bet game of the season, and South Carolina looks like one of the easiest bets on the board…
I believe in Coach Altman and this Oregon team. They’ve struggled mightily with injuries this season, but they played like one of the best teams in the country down the stretch. B.J. Mack is a solid defender, but will he be able to slow down on his own? I’m not sure how much help the freshman Collin Murray-Boyles will be on the interior against Dante. Fade the Gamecocks after their legacy season, and back the Ducks to stay hot after a PAC 12 title. I’ll meet you at the cash counter.
Oregon vs. South Carolina Prediction
Pick: ORE ML (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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