South Carolina's hot start to the season has been stifled over the past few weeks, with humbling losses to Clemson and Memphis. But the star of the team Sindarius Thornwell has returned, and they'll look to pick up where they left off before his suspension.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M is reeling from its 42-point beatdown in Kentucky. The Aggies are still looking for their first SEC win and risk falling to 0-3 to start conference play.

Here's how you can watch the game on TV or streaming online. We will also highlight some critical matchups to watch and make a pick for the game.

Viewing information

When: 1:30 p.m. ET, Saturday

Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina

TV: CBS

Live stream: Desktop link

Live stream: CBS Sports Mobile app

Related: How to watch Purdue-Wisconsin on CBS

Scouting report

Texas A&M has issues with turnovers, which is cause for many of its glaring weaknesses. The Aggies force barely over 12 turnovers per game, which ranks 289th of 351 qualifying teams. The pressure down low has been good. Robert Williams, D.J. Hogg and Tyler Davis are all havoc-wreakers. But the backcourt isn't getting enough pressure on the perimeter. And it's not a good sign that the Aggies are turning the ball over 12.8 times per game themselves.

For South Carolina, Frank Martin's team secretly boasts the second-most efficient defense in the country, allowing a measly 88.9 points per 100 possessions. They force teams off the 3-point line and dare them to bring it inside with their strong perimeter defense that's surrendering just 59.4 points per game -- 9th best in Division I.

Matchup to watch

The pace of the game, based on the two team's tendencies, should be a predictable trudge. Both teams rank in the bottom 150 nationally in adjusted tempo per game. They like to play half-court offense, run sets, and set up shots. It's all about execution.

That's where South Carolina may have an edge. Texas A&M may statistically have better shooters, but the Gamecocks' defense is pretty difficult to cope with. The most the team has given up in a home game this season is 76. I think if South Carolina can get Sindarius Thornwell comfortable and scoring early, the Gamecocks should feel good about their chances.

Odds and pick

KenPom odds: South Carolina -7

KenPom projection: South Carolina 65 | Texas A&M 58

Pick: South Carolina -7

Texas A&M is likely still reeling from its 42-point loss to Kentucky earlier in the week, and having Sindarius Thornwell back in SEC play has helped the Gamecocks return to early season form. Give me Frank Martin's team against the spread at home.