Oregon (11) vs. South Carolina (6) Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
The Gamecocks finished just one game shy of the top of the SEC standing with a 13-5 conference record, but were humbled by a crushing 86-55 loss to Auburn in the quarter-final of the SEC Tournament that marked their fourth defeat in nine games. The Ducks return to the Big Dance for the first time in three years on a roll after claiming the Pac-12 crown with a 75-68 victory over Colorado. Oregon has now won four straight after recording consecutive wins just once during a preceding 6-8 run.
The Gamecocks are set to hit the hardwood on Thursday perched as slim 1.5-point favourites on the First Four odds. The Ducks trail as +100 underdogs on the March Madness moneyline and the total is listed at 133.5.
Oregon vs. South Carolina NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
Thursday afternoon’s matchup will be the first ever meeting between these schools. However, but these squads have plenty of March Madness experience. The Ducks have reached the Sweet Sixteen in each of their past four NCAA Tournament appearances and have claimed victory SU and ATS in each of their past six First Round games. The Gamecocks regularly rewarded loyal sports bettors during their 2017 march to the Final Four, posting five straight against the spread wins including three straight outright wins as underdogs before falling to Gonzaga.
Oregon Ducks
Senior big man N’Faly Dante emerged as the Ducks’ leading scorer this season with 16.2 points per game while appearing in just 20 games. And while he led the charge with 25 points last weekend, it was his huge defensive effort that proved to be the difference in the squad’s Pac-12 Championship win over the Buffaloes. Another senior, Jermaine Couisnard, has steadily produced, averaging 19 points per game during a six-game run that started with an epic 39-point performance in the Ducks’ 103-83 loss to No. 6 Arizona on March 2.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Meechie Johnson and BJ Mack led the Gamecocks attack with 13.8 and 13.6 points per game, respectively. But it has been Mack who has found the higher gear of late. The senior forward was one of the few bright lights while leading all shooters with 14 points in the team’s crushing loss to Auburn, and has now averaged 19.3 points over his past three games.
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