![South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson (5) tries to keep the ball against the Florida during the first half of a NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://pickdawgz.com/tachyon/2026/02/28265373.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024)
| MATCHUP | Mississippi State Bulldogs | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-13 | 11-15 |
| Spread | +1.5 -102 | -1.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | +110 | -130 |
| Total | Over 151.5 (-115) | Under 151.5 (-105) |
| Where | Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:00 PM EST | |
| TV | SEC Network | |
In this article we will formulate a Mississippi State vs South Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, February 21st at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are 13-13 (5-8) this season after they defeated Auburn by a score of 91-85 in their last game. Mississippi State led 49-33 at halftime, but they did allow 52 points in the second half in the win. The Bulldogs shot 50% from the field, 53% on three pointers, and 76% on free throws in the game. Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 46 points and nine rebounds, while Jayden Epps added 13 points and three assists in the win.
Prior to that game, Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss by a score of 90-78, but lost to Tennessee by a score of 73-64 before that. The Bulldogs have scored 77.9 points per game with 39.5 rebounds and 12.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 78.6 points against per game this season. Josh Hubbard is averaging 22.4 points and 3.6 assists per game, while Jayden Epps is averaging 14.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs. Mississippi State is shooting 44.9% from the field, 68.0% on free throws, and 32.3% on three pointers this season.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview
The South Carolina Gamecocks are 11-15 (2-11) this year after they lost to Florida by a score of 76-62 in their last game. South Carolina trailed 39-29 at halftime and they only scored 33 points in the second half in the loss. The Gamecocks shot 38% from the field, 21% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Meechie Johnson led South Carolina with 22 points and three rebounds, while Elijah Strong added 10 points and three rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, South Carolina lost to Alabama by a score of 89-75 and Missouri by a score of 78-59. The Gamecocks have scored 75.9 points per game with 32.9 rebounds and 13.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.9 points against per game this season. Meechie Johnson is averaging 16.9 points and 4.1 assists per game, while Elijah Strong is averaging 10.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Gamecocks. South Carolina is shooting 43.8% from the field, 78.7% on free throws, and 30.4% on three pointers this year.
Why the South Carolina Gamecocks will win
- South Carolina has won each of its last eight home games when playing with a rest advantage.
- Mississippi State has lost four of its last five day games against the Southeastern Conference.
Why the Mississippi State Bulldogs will win
- South Carolina has lost each of its last eight day games against the Southeastern Conference.
- Mississippi State has won six of its last eight day games against South Carolina.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Mississippi State’s last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Colonial Life Arena have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.
- Eleven of South Carolina’s last 13 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Colonial Life Arena have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
Mississippi State vs South Carolina Prediction
South Carolina comes into this matchup on a long losing streak and they are just 2-11 in SEC play, but they will be at home. The Gamecocks are shooting 44% from the field and they have allowed 76+ points in five straight. Mississippi State has won two in a row, including their last road game against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs are shooting 45% from the field and they have scored 90+ in back to back games. I think this game could go either way, but I will take the over, as I don’t trust the South Carolina defense.