Kentucky vs. South Carolina: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The 9-12 South Carolina Gamecocks will host the No. 1, 22-1 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday evening. The game has implications for both teams, as an upset would be huge for South Carolina, while Kentucky wants to keep its momentum rolling.

South Carolina has had a rough season as it currently sits in the SEC basement with a 1-6 record. The Gamecocks entered conference play on a roll, but it certainly hasn't carried over. South Carolina was outclassed by the Wildcats in their previous meeting earlier in the season.

The Wildcats continue to roll, as the only blemish on their record is a one-point loss to Indiana in early December. Kentucky has earned its No. 1 ranking and has steamrolled the competition in conference play. The Wildcats enter this next game as prohibitive favorites.

Most expect Kentucky to dominate, but you never know what might happen in a conference road game.

Where: Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C.

When: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Listen: WKYM 101.7 FM (Kentucky) and WISW 1320 AM (South Carolina)

Betting Line: Kentucky (-10.5)

Kentucky Key Injuries (According to USA Today):

Out: G Jon Hood (knee), G Sam Malone (knee)

South Carolina Key Injuries (According to USA Today):

No Injuries to Report

What's at Stake?

This certainly isn't a monumental game, but both teams could use a win. South Carolina isn't going anywhere this year, but a win over the No. 1 team would give the Gamecocks a lot of momentum moving forward. The Wildcats are firmly in the NCAA Tournament, but it's very important for them to make sure they don't let their guard down against inferior opponents.

What They're Saying

Things got physical in the Wildcats' recent victory over the LSU Tigers, as LSU forward Malcolm White was charged with a flagrant foul against Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis. In order to apologize for his actions, White sent letters to both Davis and Kentucky head coach John Calipari. SEC spokesman Craig Pinkerton considers it an open-and-shut case, according to Jerry Tipton of Kentucky.com.

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'The game officials ruled the penalty on the play was a flagrant foul, which included the ejection of the offending player,' Pinkerton wrote in an email. 'Since the fighting rule was not invoked, there would be no further suspension.'

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Kentucky Player to Watch: F Anthony Davis

Kentucky has seven players who contribute in a big way, so it's tough to single anyone out, but freshman forward Anthony Davis has been absolutely spectacular. He leads the Wildcats in scoring (13.5 PPG), rebounding (10.2 RPG) and blocks (4.7 BPG). He is one of the most talented young players in the nation and that will be apparent against South Carolina.

South Carolina Player to Watch: F Malik Cooke

South Carolina is far from an explosive team, but the one player it relies upon to be an offensive force is senior forward Malik Cooke. He leads the team in scoring with nearly 13 points per game and is also one of the Gamecocks' leading rebounders and assist men. South Carolina's chances of an upset are slim, but if it's going to happen, then Cooke has to play out of his mind.

Key Matchup: Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist vs. South Carolina Bigs

Kentucky is better than South Carolina in a lot of ways, but the most glaring talent disparity is on the front line. The Wildcats have a pair of fabulous freshman bigs in Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, both of whom are capable of taking over a game. The Gamecocks have nobody to match up with those players, so it will be vital for Kentucky to make the most of its edge in that department.

Prediction

Kentucky 76, South Carolina 62