---

Florida vs. South Carolina prediction and game preview, as the No. 4 Gators and No. 7 Gamecocks face off in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

---

It is a battle of the SEC East for a trip to the 2017 Final Four as the Florida Gators meet the South Carolina Gamecocks in New York City on Sunday.

Florida used a three-pointer at the buzzer in overtime to defeat Wisconsin 84-83. KeVaughn Allen went for 35 points to lead the Gators.

South Carolina controlled the entire game against Baylor, rolling to a 70-50 victory to reach its first Elite 8 in school history. Sindarius Thornwell was his usual self, scoring 24 points and bringing down six rebounds to show the nation why he was the SEC Player of the Year.

Florida vs. South Carolina Game Preview

Date: March 26, 2017
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Region: East

Florida Wins If …

Allen continues his hot shooting from the win against Wisconsin and his teammates step up. Along with Kasey Hill, Allen fills a backcourt that could give even the Gamecocks trouble. In the win against the Gamecocks in February, the Gators used balanced scoring from the guard and forward position. If used again, they will look up a trip to Glendale.

South Carolina Wins If …

The Gamecocks continue to play the same high pressure defense that has taken them this far into the tournament. Frank Martin’s team held Baylor to —- shooting, and will look to do the same against a Florida squad that has excellent guard play. If the defense holds up, and SEC Player of the Year Sindaruis Thornwell plays a good game, the Gamecocks will find themselves with a trip to the Final Four.

Florida vs. South Carolina Prediction

It is hard to go against a South Carolina team that is playing its best basketball of the year. The Gamecocks are playing tough defense, and against a Gators squad that can shut down offensively at times, it will pay off. South Carolina wins and the Gamecocks make their first Final Four in school history.

Florida vs. South Carolina Score Prediction: South Carolina 73, Florida 68

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions