SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Heading to the site of the program's first Power-Six victory and coming off the program's first victory under head coach Marty Richter, USC Upstate men's basketball heads back to the court for the third time in the season's opening week, travelling to the Commonwealth of Virginia for a matchup with Virginia Tech.
 
Friday's Matchup
November 8, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (1-1; 0-0 Big South) at Virginia Tech (1-0; 0-0 ACC)
Cassell Coliseum | Blacksburg, Va.
 
TV: ACCNX | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
Weekly Coaches Interview: Catch head coach Marty Richter weekly on Fox Sports Spartanburg every Tuesday at 3:20 p.m. ET.
 
How They Stack Up
Records: USC Upstate (1-1; 0-0 Big South); Virginia Tech (1-0; 0-0 ACC)
Series: Virginia Tech leads 2-1
Last Five Meetings: Nov. 13, 2019 (VT 80; UPST 57); Nov. 9, 2013 (UPST 64; VT 63); Dec. 30, 2010 (VT 64; UPST 53)
 
Last Time Out
November 6, 2024: USC Upstate 103; Piedmont 70
November 4, 2024: Virginia Tech 83; Delaware State 60
 
Players to Watch
USC Upstate: The Spartans' leading scorer in each of the team's two games this season, freshman guard Mister Dean ranks seventh in the NCAA in total points, putting home 39 markers this season. He's coming off a 25-point performance versus Piedmont, becoming the first Spartan true freshman to score 20-plus points in a game since 2021-22. He's also the first Spartan true freshman to lead Upstate in scoring in each of his first two career games since 2022-23. Dean's 39 points in 2024-25 come behind 16-of-18 shooting from the floor, ranking him third in the country in field goal makes (16) and 33^rd in the nation in field goal percentage (88.9).
 
Virginia Tech: In his first action in a Hokie uniform following a transfer from VCU, junior forward Tobi Lawal led Virginia Tech, scoring 23 points Monday night versus Delaware State. He finished the night shooting 6-of-9 from the floor, 2-of-4 from three, and 9-of-11 from the free throw line. His 11 free throw attempts on the season leads the ACC and ranks 35^th in the NCAA. Last season, he average 7.7 points and 6.0 rebounds at VCU while shooting 66.7 percent from the field.
 
Up Next for the Spartans
Following a three-game week to open the season, USC Upstate faces two games next weekend, including a third ACC program to open the season. The Spartans return to action next Wednesday at Wake Forest for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off.
 
Connect with the Spartans 
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics 
Twitter | @UpstateMBB | @UpstateSpartans 
Instagram | @Upstate_MBB | @UpstateSpartans 
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans
 
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