Franimal Planet: Iowa vs. South Carolina State Preview

South Carolina State (4-7) vs. Iowa (9-2)

Date: December 19, 2012
Time: 8:00 pm CT
Location: Carver Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City
Television: BTN
Line: Iowa -27

Yep, that's a 27-point spread. And that's because, despite the fact that they have managed to win four games, South Carolina State is one of the country's worst teams. They are ranked 340th in Kenpom standings, lower than any other team on Iowa's schedule to date. The Bulldogs have lost six of their last seven games, including a 51-point loss to Missouri Monday, a 28-point home loss to Albany, and a 15-point loss at Maryland. SCSU is ranked below #200 nationally in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage.

The Bulldogs' magic number is 74: They have not won a game in which they scored less than 74 points, and have yet to lose a game in which they scored 74 or more. Senior guard Khalif Tooms leads the team in points (13.5 ppg), assists (5.2 apg) and minutes (37.0 mpg). Junior guard Adama Adams has an excellent name and a decent stat line (13.3 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.8 rpg). 6'11 junior center Matthew Hezekiah (12.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg) and freshman forward Darryl Palmer (7.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg) patrol the paint for SCSU.

With that said, the Bulldogs are ranked 345th out of 347 teams in offensive rebounds allowed, permitting opponents to grab 42.8% of their own misses. While their three-point percentage is decent (36.2%), their two-point shooting is atrocious (41.4%, 314th in the country), and their opponents are shooting 51.5% from inside the arc.

So, yes, it's a 27-point spread, but it might be a little light.