Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/14/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/14/26

SOUTH CAROLINA @ ALABAMA (ALA -18.5, 167.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

GAMECOCKS @ CRIMSON TIDE 2/14/26

The SEC showdown between South Carolina and Alabama at Coleman Coliseum this Saturday, Feb. 14, presents a fascinating clash of styles. Alabama enters as a massive home favorite, boasting one of the most explosive offenses in the country, while South Carolina looks to play spoiler despite a recent string of tough losses.

Alabama is currently a juggernaut at home, and this spread reflects their ability to bury opponents early. The Crimson Tide rank 2nd nationally in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency (128.2) and play at the fastest tempo in the country. They are coming off a dominant 93-74 win over Ole Miss where they hit 17 three-pointers. South Carolina, meanwhile, has struggled significantly on the road, going 1-5 SU and 4-2 ATS in away games.

The statistical mismatch is glaring: Alabama averages 91.9 points per game (2nd in D-1) while South Carolina allows 75.4 points. South Carolina’s defense ranks 231st in points allowed and has shown vulnerability against high-volume shooting teams, recently giving up 108 points to Arkansas and 95 to Florida. Even with Taylor Bol Bowen ruled out for Alabama due to leg and hand injuries, the Tide's depth—led by Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (21 points last game) and Aden Holloway—should be more than enough to cover this large number against a Gamecocks team shooting just 30.9% from the field in their last outing.

When Alabama is on the floor, the Over is always a high-probability look. Alabama’s games have gone Over in 13 of 24 contests this season, and they are 13-5 to the Over in rematch/conference situations. The Tide's offensive philosophy is built on pace and three-point volume (ranking 1st in 3-point attempts), which naturally inflates point totals.

South Carolina’s defense has been "leaking" lately, surrendering an average of 88.2 points over their last five losses. While the Gamecocks prefer a slower tempo (303rd in Adj. Tempo), they have been forced into track meets by elite SEC offenses. In their last four games against top-tier scoring teams (Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Texas), the total has cleared 150 points easily. With Alabama likely to push for 90+ points at home, South Carolina only needs to contribute 75-77 points—their season average—to push this over the total.

While the odds offer very little ROI as a straight bet, Alabama’s moneyline is a foundational piece for any Saturday parlay. The Crimson Tide are 10-0 in their last 10 home games and have a 91% win probability according to BartTorvik projections. South Carolina is 2-12 as an underdog this season and has lost five straight games heading into this matchup.

Alabama’s dominance at Coleman Coliseum is statistically backed by a +25.76 Net Rating. South Carolina’s Meechie Johnson (13 points last game) and Mike Sharavjamts (130.2 ORtg) are talented, but they lack the supporting cast to pull off a straight-up upset in one of the most difficult road environments in college basketball. Alabama has won the last eight meetings against South Carolina, often by double digits.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: ALABAMA TEAM TOTAL OVER 92.5

This is a big number, even for Alabama which is No. 2 in the country in scoring (91.9 ppg). But, the Tide have gone Over this number in three straight games. They’ve only gone Over this number in 10 of 24 games and 4 of 11 at home, but the Tide is in a groove as of late. South Carolina isn’t horrible on defense but they have given up some big numbers - 108 to Arkansas, 92 to Texas A&M - on the road. Alabama plays at the sixth-fastest pace in college basketball and they will force South Carolina to keep up. 

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Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.