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SEC Basketball: Arkansas vs. South Carolina preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Taylor Sturm

Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin reacts to a call in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin reacts to a call in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Wednesday night, the South Carolina Gamecocks will attempt to hold off the Arkansas Razorbacks with SEC basketball regular season title implications on the line.

TV Schedule: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network

Arena: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC

The Arkansas Razorbacks are one of the most up and down teams in college basketball, both figuratively and literally. Their pressure defense has led to fantastic comebacks on the road against the LSU Tigers, Texas A&M Aggies, and Vanderbilt Commodores, but their inability to defend at home has led to some rough losses. While South Carolina is one of the best teams in the SEC, the Razorbacks’ fantastic away record gives them a definite chance at the upset.

Related Story: Florida versus Auburn game preview

The Gamecocks, on the other hand, are currently tied with the Florida Gators and Kentucky Wildcats for the lead in the SEC and have no room for error. While basically a lock for the 2017 NCAA Tournament, a loss to Arkansas would all but end their chances at a share of the SEC regular-season title as they face Florida on the road on Feb. 21.

This game, while not too exciting on paper, is a must-watch for the casual college basketball fan. Both South Carolina and Arkansas play intense styles of basketball that could make this game one of the more underrated on Wednesday night’s schedule. Expect South Carolina to grind out a win, however, and continue to hold onto their spot at the top of the SEC regular season standings.

Prediction: South Carolina 75, Arkansas 65

Next: Bracket projections for the month

This South Carolina team actually reminds me of the Cuonzo Martin-coached Tennessee Volunteer squad that was able to make it to the Sweet 16. Sure, they aren’t dominating opponents like many would expect a top 25 opponent to do, but they are winning close games against good teams — something that translates extremely well in the do-or-die world of March Madness.

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