Game Information
January 21, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (9-9; 4-3 Big South) at UNC Asheville (14-6; 6-1 Big South)
Kimmel Arena | Asheville, N.C.
 
TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
 
Series History
Meeting for the 13^th time in the Spartans' Division I era (2007-pres.), USC Upstate and UNC Asheville renew their regional rivalry Saturday. The two teams have alternated winners in the past five games, splitting last season with each team claiming a road victory. The Bulldogs enter Saturday's game leading the series 8-4.
 
Last Time Out
January 18, 2023: USC Upstate 61; Presbyterian 60
January 18, 2023: UNC Asheville 73; Charleston Southern 63
 
Players to Watch
Upstate: Leading the Spartans with a career-high-tying 16 points against Presbyterian, including scoring 10 points in the second half, freshman guard Justin Bailey provided the spark for Upstate's comeback win. The game marked his fifth double-figure scoring game in Big South play as he also tied a career-high with three made three-pointers—on four attempts. For the season, he averages 9.7 points per contest—12.0 points per game in league play—and has notched 10 double-figure scoring games.
 
Asheville: Averaging 19.2 points per game and riding a streak of seven straight games scoring in double-figures, forward Drew Pember is showing why he was selected as Preseason Player of the Year in the Big South. During conference play, he has upped his scoring average to 20.3 points per contest while also averaging 10.7 rebounds per game, posting four double-doubles in league play.
 
Big South Standings

1. Longwood (14-6; 6-1 Big South)
2. UNC Asheville (14-6; 6-1 Big South)
3. Radford (11-9; 5-2 Big South)
4. USC Upstate (9-9; 4-3 Big South)
5. Gardner-Webb (8-11; 3-4 Big South)
6. Winthrop (8-12; 3-4 Big South)
7. Charleston Southern (7-11; 3-4 Big South)
8. High Point (10-9; 2-5 Big South)
9. Campbell (7-12; 2-5 Big South)
10. Presbyterian (5-15; 1-6 Big South)

 
Up Next for the Spartans
Finalizing the first stretch of games versus regional rivals, Upstate wraps the trio of games Wednesday with its shortest conference road trip of the year, travelling to Gardner-Webb. The Spartans and Runnin' Bulldogs are set for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off.
 
Connect with the Spartans 
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics 
Twitter | @UpstateMBB | @UpstateSpartans 
Instagram | @UpstateMBB | @UpstateSpartans 
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans 
Make a difference in the lives of USC Upstate student-athletes!  Donate to the USC Upstate U Club today!