South Carolina @ Oklahoma State preview

South Carolina at Oklahoma State

Last Meeting ( Dec 6, 2014 ) Oklahoma State 49, South Carolina 75

South Carolina takes a break from its red-hot start to conference play when it visits Oklahoma State on Saturday for the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. This will mark the third time the teams have squared off in the event as they split their first two matchups (2013 and 2014).

The Gamecocks have been one of the biggest surprises during SEC play, winning five of their first six conference games - including a pair of victories over ranked opponents. Chris Silva had a huge game with 32 points and 14 rebounds - both career highs - in an 80-77 home victory over No. 15 Auburn on Tuesday. The Cowboys have struggled in their second season under former Gamecocks standout Mike Boynton Jr. Oklahoma State has dropped three straight contests, including a 70-61 home setback against rival Oklahoma on Wednesday.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (10-8): The Gamecocks have heated up since the holiday break, averaging 80.1 points and shooting 45.2 percent over their last seven games - six of which were victories. Freshman swingman A.J. Lawson (13.2 points) continues to pace the team in scoring, but Silva (13, 6.8 rebounds) has had some big performances in conference play. Hassani Gravett (11.6 points) also has had a hot hand in SEC action, averaging 15 points while going 15-for-33 from 3-point range.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (8-11): The Cowboys have two freshmen in the starting lineup and only go six deep in their primary rotation, so they can’t afford to get into foul trouble. Cameron McGriff (13.5 points, 8.1 rebounds) is the team’s clear leader and has posted six double-doubles, but the Cowboys are most dangerous when they’re hitting from 3-point range. They shoot a healthy 38.2 percent from beyond the arc, with Lindy Waters III (12.2 points) and Thomas Dziagwa (10.1) leading the way.

TIP-INS

1. The trio of Gravett (23-for-26), Silva (29-for-34) and F Felipe Haase (18-for-20) have combined to shoot 87.5 percent from the free-throw line over the first six games of SEC play.

2. Gravett has made at least three 3-pointers in each of his last three contests.

3. Waters shoots 96.1 percent from the foul line, the best mark in the nation.

PREDICTION: South Carolina 73, Oklahoma State 69