Get set for an epic women’s basketball battle when the UConn Huskies meet the South Carolina Gamecocks in a non-conference Sunday afternoon matchup.
The Gamecocks are undefeated at home, but my UConn vs. South Carolina predictions expect the Huskies to pull off an upset.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Sunday, February 16.
UConn vs South Carolina prediction
My best bet
UConn moneyline (+210 at bet365)
My analysis
UConn Huskies senior guard Paige Bueckers hasn’t had a “signature” game this season, but the probable top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft hasn’t needed to. Most of the 23 UConn victories this season were one-way traffic.
Bueckers also benefited from frosh sensation Sarah Strong’s presence and some solid play from a deep Huskies roster with three teammates averaging double-digits.
South Carolina can be offensively vulnerable. Although it boasts the nation's top defense, its offense has scored fewer than 70 points in two of its last six games and 62 points or fewer in both Lady Gamecocks losses.
The Huskies' stop unit ranks third at Her Hoop Stats in defensive efficiency and surrenders only 52 points per game. Their size and experience can slow South Carolina down enough for Bueckers to take over.
Bueckers and the Huskies offense is deep enough that South Carolina won’t have much success double-teaming her, and she’s a willing playmaker surrounded by knock-down shooters when they do.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is 8-5 against Dawn Staley. He knows how to win big games and beat South Carolina.
The way to do that is through Bueckers. She’s seen a decline in scoring but is the best player on both ends of the floor with a strong supporting cast.
If anyone can beat the Gamecocks defense, it is Bueckers. I’m betting she does, and UConn pulls off a huge upset.
UConn vs South Carolina same-game parlay (SGP)
UConn moneyline
Under 137.5
UConn shouldn’t ever be a 2:1 underdog anywhere, and that’s because they are a complete team with a marquee player that can dominate games on both ends of the floor.
Bueckers is an elite defender for an elite UConn defense. South Carolina is the better defensive squad, but not by much.
I expect a physical slugfest from two dominant defenses that only marquee offensive players like Bueckers thrive in. Both stop units allow fewer than 56 points per game, so I’m adding the Under to this same-game parlay.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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UConn vs South Carolina odds
- Spread: UConn +6.5 (-115) | South Carolina -6.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: UConn +210 | South Carolina -260
- Over/Under: Over 137.5 (-110) | Under 137.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
UConn vs South Carolina betting trend to know
Geno Auriemma is 8-5 SU against Dawn Staley. Find more college basketball betting trends for UConn vs. South Carolina.
How to watch UConn vs South Carolina
| Location | Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC |
| Date | Sunday, 2-16-2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
UConn vs South Carolina key injuries
UConn: Morgan Cheli (out), Ice Brady (out), Ayanna Patterson (out).
South Carolina: Ashlyn Watkins (out).
Not intended for use in MA.
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