SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate women's basketball team (6-15, 5-5 A-Sun) extended its winning-streak to four games today, defeating Atlantic Sun Conference opponent ETSU (5-16, 4-6 A-Sun) 74-68 in the Hodge Center for Upstate's "Pack the House Challenge" contest.

Upstate led most of the first half, but the Buccaneers chipped away at the small deficit and ended up taking a 32-31 lead into the locker room at the intermission. The Spartans fought back and the two teams exchanged points for most of the second period. The contest saw nine lead changes and the score tied 14 times. The Bucs' largest lead was five points, coming with 7:25 to go in the second frame. Upstate's biggest lead came with 13 seconds remaining in the contest as junior Tyra Smith (Lawrenceville, Ga.) made a pair of free throws, putting the final score at 74-68.

The Spartans have won five of their last six games, dating back to a 77-56 win over Mercer Jan. 9. Like the Mercer victory, Upstate had five players score double-figures against the Bucs today. Junior Tee'Ara Copney (Asheville, N.C.) led the charge, posting her first career double-double with 17 points and career-high 11 rebounds. Copney was a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe for the third-straight game and fourth time this season. She recorded her previous career-best eight boards at Marshall Nov. 30, 2010.

Upstate freshman Shelby Hicks (Greeneville, Tenn.) also tallied her first career double-double, matching a career-high 13 points for the third time this season and snagging a career-high 10 boards. Hicks' previous career-best was nine rebounds set against Mercer Jan. 9. This was her sixth 10-plus point outing and third-straight.

Spartan juniors Lauren McRoberts (Carmel, Ind.) and Smith put up 16 points apiece. This marked a season-high for both McRoberts and Smith. McRoberts has recorded 12 points twice this season, while Smith had 13 at Florida Gulf Coast Dec. 19. Smith has scored double-figures seven times this season, while McRoberts has notched five such outings. Smith connected on six of seven free throws today. Junior Hannah Ohl (Danville, Ind.) rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Spartans, totaling 10 points. This marks her fifth 10-plus scoring performance this season.

Freshman Paulina Zaveckaite (Telsiai, Lithuania) grabbed six rebounds for the Spartans, while Smith dished out a game-high six assists and swiped four steals. Freshman Briana Robinson (Columbia, S.C.) was second on the squad with five assists, while also pulling down four boards.

ETSU was led by Destiny Mitchell, recording a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. Brianna Bogard was second on the team with nine points, while Natalie Pickwell and Maria Bond each had eight points. Tosha Austin was second on the Buccaneer squad with six boards, while Tarita Gordon and Bond each gave out two assists. Bond posted a game-high three blocked shots.

The Spartans shot 46.8 percent from the floor and 23.1 percent from behind the arc, while the Bucs were 38.8 percent from the floor and 20.0 percent from long distance. Upstate was 81.3 percent from the free throw line, connecting on 13-of-16 attempts. ETSU was 70.0 percent from the line, going 14-for-20. The Spartans out-rebounded the Bucs 42-36, while also edging them in the paint 34-32. ETSU won the battle of second chances eight to six. The Spartan bench outscored the Buccaneer bench 49-28.

ETSU owns a 7-3 overall record against Upstate, including a 2-3 mark in Spartanburg, S.C. Prior to today's contest, the Spartans had dropped the last two meetings against the Bucs. ETSU edged Upstate 67-64 in Johnson City, Tenn., Jan. 4. Last season, Upstate beat ETSU 78-70 in the Hodge Center Dec. 4, 2010 and fell to the Bucs 64-42 in Johnson City, Tenn., Jan. 26, 2011. The Spartans haven't lost to the Bucs in the Hodge Center since Feb. 23, 2009.

Upstate returns to action Thursday, Feb. 2, traveling to Kennesaw State for a 7 p.m. contest, which will air on ESPN3. Follow the Spartans this season on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.