Saturday's MatchUP
February 12, 2022 | 4:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (10-13; 7-4 Big South) vs. UNC Asheville (13-11; 5-6 Big South)
G.B. Hodge Center | Spartanburg, S.C.
 
TV: ESPN+ and WYCW (GSA market), WMYT (Charlotte), & WWCW (Roanoke, VA) (PXP: Noah Frary; Analyst: Richmond Weaver; Sideline: Lauren Kirkley) | Ingles Nexstar Game of the Week
 
Series History
Meeting for the second time in 2021-22 and first since Bryson Mozone's jumper in the final seconds delivered Upstate victory on Jan. 15, Upstate and UNC Asheville renew their rivalry with the 12^th meeting between the two program's in the Spartans' Division I era (2007-pres.). Despite the earlier season Spartan victory, the Bulldogs still lead the series 7-4 heading into Saturday's matchup.
 
Last Time Out
February 10, 2022: Longwood 85; USC Upstate 72
February 9, 2022: UNC Asheville 69; Hampton 53
 
Players to Watch
Upstate: Scoring 16 points against Longwood Thursday to extend his streak of games in double-figures to 12 games, Gainey enters Saturday's contest ranked third in the Big South in scoring during conference play. He's averaging 18.2 points per game during league play, scoring 14 or more points in each of Upstate's 11 Big South games while shooting 54.5 percent from the floor during conference play—best among league guards.
 
Asheville: Ranking just ahead of Gainey in scoring during conference play, forward Drew Pember is averaging 18.7 points in league play, ranking second in the Big South. He also enters the weekend ranked second in rebounding (7.6 RPG) and third in field goal percentage (52.0%) during conference play.
 
UP Next for the Spartans
Off its rivalry matchup against UNC Asheville Saturday, Upstate's rivalry homestand continues Wednesday at the G.B. Hodge Center. The Spartans welcome Presbyterian on the back half of the rivalry homestand with tip-off set for 6 p.m. ET.
 
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