South Carolina-Mississippi State hoops: How, what to watch for as USC eyes key upset
South Carolina (16-9, 8-4 SEC) takes a visit to Mississippi State (16-9, 7-5) on Wednesday at in Starkville. Tip-off is 9 p.m.; broadcast is on the SEC Network.
Here are some storylines to watch for the game.
1. Some big dudes
The first thing Gamecocks coach Frank Martin said about the Bulldogs: They’re big and long.
The MSU starting lineup features one player shorter than 6-foot-6. Of their core eight-man rotation, the four smallest players run 6-foot-2, 6-foot-3, 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-7. Much of that offense is built around Reggie Perry, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound workhorse who is one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the SEC, plus one of the most efficient scorers.
That length makes the MSU perimeter defense formidable, but it has been more vulnerable inside.
2. Front-court questions
Attrition has been a consistent theme for the Gamecocks in spots this season, and it’s starting to hit the front court in a big way. Justin Minaya is out indefinitely. Freshman forward Jalyn McCreary is out at least this game with a concussion.
Maik Kotsar has been a life saver for USC, blossoming as a senior and carrying things there. Martin said USC needs more from Alanzo Frink, the team’s other starter, and the depth is light enough that behind foul-prone freshman Wildens Leveque, the team could be playing wings such as Keyshawn Bryant.
Martin even went as far as to say lightly used freshman Trey Anderson could get some time this game.
3. A very important stretch
Martin continues to decry the augering of the NCAA tournament field, but it’s hard to say this isn’t a big week for his squad.
With three wins at this point that the NCAA would consider high-value Quadrant 1, the Gamecocks likely need at least one more victory of that quality to make a compelling case to make the postseason field. USC has two such chances this week, going to Starkville and then hosting LSU. There’s only one opportunity after that (at Alabama) before the SEC tournament.
USC projects to be favored in three of its final six regular-season games, though Mississippi State at home and LSU at home are basically toss-ups. Getting to 3-3 in those games would put USC at 19 wins, but 20-11 heading to Nashville would put the Gamecocks in pretty good position.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Coach: Ben Howland (495-271 in 24 seasons overall; fifth season at MSU — 94-65)
Projected starters: G Nick Weatherspoon (11.6 ppg), G D.J. Stewart (8.9), G Robert Woodard II (11.4), F Reggie Perry (17.7), F Abdul Ado (5.3)
Last game: Beat Arkansas 78-77-61 on Saturday on the road
KenPom ranking: 48 (No. 20 in offense efficiency, No. 111 in defense efficiency)
NET: 53
SOUTH CAROLINA
Coach: Frank Martin (262-169 in 13 seasons overall; eighth season at USC — 145-115)
Projected starters: G A.J. Lawson (13.8), G Jermaine Couisnard (11.9), F Alanzo Frink (4.5), F Keyshawn Bryant (7.3), C Maik Kotsar (10.4)
Last game: Beat Tennessee 63-61 on Saturday at home
KenPom ranking: 74 (No. 140 in offense efficiency, No. 47in defense efficiency)
NET: 65
Game info
Who: South Carolina (16-9, 8-4) at Mississippi State (16-9, 7-5)
When: 9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Humphrey Coliseum
TV channel: SEC Network
Radio: 107.5 FM in Columbia area
Series: Mississippi State leads 15-22
Last meeting: Feb. 23, 2019 — Mississippi State 76, South Carolina 61
KenPom prediction: Mississippi State 75, South Carolina 69
