Pick details
| MATCHUP | Stetson Hatters | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| Where | Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC | |
| When | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | SECN+ | |
Stetson Hatters vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Stetson Hatters staying within the number (20.5). Why? While South Carolina competed in one of the toughest conferences in the nation (SEC) last season, the Gamecocks still posted a disappointing 13-19 overall record and averaged 74.9 points per game. Defensively, South Carolina allowed 76.5 points per contest (228th in nation).
Meanwhile, Stetson enters the 2026 regular season after posting an abysmal 12-21 record in 2025. Stetson had issues on offense and defense last season. The Hatters averaged just 71.9 points per contest which ranked 316th in the country. While the Stetson Hatters face a significant step up in competition in this contest, I believe Stetson has enough talent to remain competitive and stay within the number here. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Stetson Hatters plus the 20.5 points in this game.
Stetson Hatters Betting Preview
The Stetson Hatters enter Tuesday night’s season opener after posting a 12-21 overall record (9-5 home record, 2-14 road record and 7-11 ASUN Conference record) during the 2025 season. The Hatters compiled victories over the North Florida Ospreys, Queens Royals and the Jacksonville Dolphins, while suffering losses to the Lipscomb Bisons, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles and Eastern Kentucky Colonels.The Stetson Hatters averaged 71.9 points per game (246th in country) last season while allowing 79.3 points per contest which ranked a dreadful 316th in the nation. What did we learn from the data just presented? The Hatters struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor which resulted in the team’s poor overall win-loss record in 2025.
Guard Josh Massey returns for the Hatters after being a key contributor for Stetson last season. In 32 games played in 2025, Massey averaged 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Hatters will rely on Massey’s experience and familiarity with the program to help the team rebound from an abysmal 2025 campaign.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview
The South Carolina Gamecocks enter Tuesday night’s matchup after posting a 13-19 overall record (11-8 home record, 2-8 road record and a 4-14 mark SEC Conference play) in 2025. South Carolina amassed victories over Texas Tech, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Presbyterian and the East Carolina Pirates, while losing games to the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs.The South Carolina Gamecocks averaged 74.9 points per game while allowing 76.5 points per contest (228th in country) last season. The Gamecocks utilized a quality defense and strong rebounding but often struggled to consistently generate offense.
Forward Kobe Knox returns after being a focal point for the Gamecocks last season. In 31 games played, Knox averaged 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
Why the Stetson Hatters Will Win
• Returning experience. The Hatters bring back several contributors from last season’s roster, including guard Josh Massey who averaged 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.• Offensive potential. The Stetson Hatters averaged just 71.9 points per game in 2025.
Why the South Carolina Gamecocks Will Win
• Power conference experience. The South Carolina Gamecocks compete in one of the toughest conferences in the country. With that said, Stetson represents a step down in overall roster talent relative to the SEC.• Home court edge. The Gamecocks played competitive basketball at home, compiling an 11-8 win-loss record at Colonial Life Arena.
• Offensive balance. Kobe Knox averaged 10.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 2025.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Stetson +20.5
