USC Upstate men's basketball heads to Columbia, SC, for their last non-conference matchup against South Carolina on December 14, 2024. This will be the ninth meeting between the two teams since Upstate transitioned to Division I, with South Carolina leading the series 7-1. The Spartans aim to improve their 4-8 record against the Gamecocks, who are currently 6-3. This marks the fourth consecutive season the teams face each other, a first in their history.

By the Numbers
  • USC Upstate has a record of 4-8 (0-0 Big South); South Carolina is at 6-3 (0-0 SEC).
  • In their last five meetings, South Carolina has outscored USC Upstate, winning four of those games, with scores including 82-53 and 68-53.
Yes, But

The Spartans will need to overcome a significant historical disadvantage against South Carolina, having only won once in eight previous matchups. Moreover, despite winning against Western Carolina recently, their overall performance has been inconsistent this season.

State of Play
  • Carmelo Adkins, a freshman guard for USC Upstate, is leading the team with an average of 10.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
  • Collin Murray-Boyles, a sophomore from South Carolina, is averaging 16.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, contributing significantly to his team's success.
What's Next

Following Saturday's game, USC Upstate will return home for a matchup against South Carolina State on December 18, 2024. This game will serve as a final tune-up before the Spartans enter conference play.

Bottom Line

The Spartans face a challenging game that could impact their momentum moving into the conference schedule. Securing a win against a strong opponent like South Carolina would be crucial for boosting their confidence and correcting their early-season trajectory.