Friday's MatchUP
Nov. 25, 2022 | 4:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (2-3; 0-0 Big South) vs. South Carolina (2-3; 0-0 SEC)
Colonial Life Arena | Columbia, S.C.
 
TV: SEC Network+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
 
Series History
Meeting on Black Friday, USC Upstate and South Carolina are meeting for the seventh time in the Spartans' Division I era (2007-pres.), meeting in consecutive seasons for the second time in the series (2010-11 & and 2021-22). The Gamecocks lead the series 6-1 and have taken the last two meetings (2018 and 2021) with the Spartans' lone victory in the series coming with a 74-68 victory in 2013.
 
Last Time Out
November 21, 2022: Air Force 83; USC Upstate 56
November 20, 2022: Furman 79; South Carolina 60
 
Players to Watch
Upstate: Leading the Spartans with 19 points versus Air Force Monday, sophomore guard Jordan Gainey secured his 19^th career game scoring 15 or more points. The game was his second of the season scoring 19 or more points, complementing his 24-point effort versus another in-state foe—Clemson—as he enters Friday's game as the Spartans' leading scorer at 14.4 points per game. Gainey also enters the game as a member of the Lou Henson Award Watch List.
 
South Carolina: Entering Friday's game as one of two NCAA freshmen averaging at least 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, freshman forward Gregory Jackson II enters leading the Gamecocks in both categories. He averages 16.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, scoring in double-figures in each of his five career games while posting a double-double in his debut versus South Carolina State.
 
UP Next for the Spartans
Following a two-game road swing that concludes in the state's capital Friday afternoon, Upstate returns to the G.B. Hodge Center next Wednesday. The Spartans host Columbia International on Nov. 30 with tip-off slated for 7 p.m. ET.
 
JOIN UP
Make a difference in the lives of USC Upstate student-athletes!  Donate to the USC Upstate U Club today!

HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN
USC Upstate men's basketball has sold out two of its last four home games dating back to the 2021-22 season, including this season's home opener on November 7. USC Upstate is offering a variety of ways for fans to watch Upstate Basketball this season! Tickets can be purchased through ticketreturn.com and options include courtside seats, season packages, two new mini-plan offerings, group packages, and individual game tickets. Click here to order your tickets.
 
Keep UP with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter: @UpstateMBB
Instagram: @upstatespartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans