Kentucky vs South Carolina Prediction 2/24/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Kentucky Wildcats and the South Carolina Gamecocks meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. Here’s a Kentucky vs South Carolina prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Kentucky vs South Carolina pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

Kentucky took a 9-4 run into the new calendar year, then lost to Alabama and Missouri. Wins over Mississippi State, LSU, Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee came in the next nine games (with a lone loss to Vanderbilt). After losses to Florida and Georgia in the next pair, the Wildcats were sitting at 17-9 over their first 26 games this season.

In the Auburn game on Saturday, Kentucky was up 39-35 going into the second half. The Wildcats hit a 40-35 deficit the rest of the way however, leading to a tough loss 75-74 on the road in the end. Otega Oweh was the top team scorer with his 29 points and seven rebounds with three assists. Denzel Aberdeen added 15 points with three assists in 38 minutes as well.

South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview

Over on the South Carolina side, they weren’t looking too bad after 15 games this year with a 10-5 record. A 1-3 run came next with losses to Georgia, Arkansas and Auburn though, then losses to Texas A&M, Florida, LSU, Texas, Missouri, Alabama and Florida. After a win over Mississippi State over the weekend the Gamecocks are sitting at 12-15 overall this year.

Matched up against Mississippi State on Saturday, South Carolina had a seven-point lead 46-39 going into the locker room after the first half. The Gamecocks hit a 51-50 run the rest of the way and powered out the victory on their home court 97-89 as the game came to a close. Leading the way were Mike Sharavjamts (four rebounds; five assists) and Meechie Johnson (five rebounds; nine assists) each with 21 points.

Kentucky Wildcats @ South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Trends: February 24, 2026

Why the South Carolina Gamecocks will win

• South Carolina has won 20 of its last 24 games at Colonial Life Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Kentucky has lost four of its last five night games at Colonial Life Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Kentucky has lost the first half in each of its last five Tuesday road games against the Southeastern Conference.

Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win

• South Carolina has lost seven of its last eight games against Conference opponents.
• Kentucky has won 16 of its last 19 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Kentucky has won the first half in five of its last six road games against South Carolina.

Kentucky vs South Carolina Prediction

I’ll stick with South Carolina bit it’s a coin flip. The Gamecocks shot very well (55.4 percent) from the field in their win over Mississippi State this past weekend, adding 50 percent (12-of-24) from outside and 85.2 percent (23-of-27) from the line. South Carolina added just six turnovers but did get out-rebounded 34-28. The Gamecocks really needed the win, as they’d lost seven straight prior to that.

As for Kentucky, they couldn’t quite close it out against Auburn on Saturday despite holding the Tigers to just 40.3 percent shooting. The Wildcats shot a tepid 41.5 percent from the field themselves and added 13 turnovers along the way. Kentucky has lost three straight but this is s good opportunity to get back into the win column provided all goes well on the road.

Andrew Jett's Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks +5.5