SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Returning to the G.B. Hodge Center for the final time during the 2023-24 season, USC Upstate men's basketball hosts a regional rival at home to close the regular season for the fourth straight season as Presbyterian makes the trip to Spartanburg for a 7 p.m. ET tilt Wednesday evening. The team's regular-season finale also coincides with the program's Senior Day as Upstate honors graduate student guard Miguel Ayesa, redshirt junior guard Trae Broadnax, redshirt senior forward Ahmir Langlais, and redshirt junior guard Floyd Rideau Jr.
 
Wednesday's Matchup presented by Ingles
February 28, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (9-19; 4-11 Big South) vs. Presbyterian (13-16; 5-9 Big South)
G.B. Hodge Center | Spartanburg, S.C.
 
TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App
Radio: Fox Sports Spartanburg 98.3 FM/1400 AM | Also available via the Fox Sports Spartanburg or TuneIn App
Weekly Coaches Interview: Mondays at 4:15 p.m. live from Sugar-n-Spice (212 S. Pine St., Spartanburg) with Coach Dick Cox; Tuesdays at 4:20 p.m. with the voice of Spartans, Ryan Clary, on Fox Sports Spartanburg 98.3 FM
Ingles Fan Appreciation Games: Bring your Ingles Advantage Card to the Hodge Center and receive FREE admission for you and up to 4 additional guests!
 
How They Stack Up
Records: USC Upstate (9-19; 4-11 Big South); Presbyterian (13-16; 5-9 Big South)
Series: USC Upstate leads 7-5
Last Five Meetings: Jan. 31, 2024 (PC 80; UPST 73); Feb. 22, 2023 (UPST 59; PC 57); Jan. 18, 2023 (UPST 61; PC 60); Feb. 16, 2022 (UPST 60; PC 55); Jan. 8, 2022 (UPST 82; PC 72)
 
First Meeting This Season
In the season's first meeting between Upstate and Presbyterian, Upstate showed the resilience it has shown all season as it didn't wither from a second-half deficit as it fought back to put itself within striking distance in the final minutes. Sophomore guard Justin Bailey led Upstate with 17 points while notching career-highs for made field goals (seven) and rebounds (seven), leading a trio of double-figure scorers. The game also saw Upstate shoot greater than 50.0 percent from the field, going 32-of-61 on the night.
 
Player to Watch
USC Upstate: Pacing the Spartans' offense Saturday at Winthrop, redshirt sophomore guard Jalen Breazeale passed out a career-high eight assists, tied for the most helpers in a game by a Spartan this season. He complemented his assist total with a season-best 15 points, going 4-of-5 from the field with all four of his makes coming from beyond the arc, where he posted a perfect shooting percentage. He enters Wednesday, averaging 5.3 points and 3.0 assists per game.
 
Presbyterian: Leading all scorers in the Blue Hose's victory at Winthrop, junior guard Samage Teel dropped a game-high 22 points, recording his fourth 20-plus point scoring game of the season. He ranks second among Presbyterian players in scoring, averaging 13.0 points per game as he's scored in double-figures in each of the past five games and 13 of the past 14. He's also passed out 75 assists on the year while adding 63 rebounds, 20 steals, and three blocks.
 
Last Time Out
February 24, 2024: Winthrop 83; USC Upstate 74
February 21, 2024: Presbyterian 78; Winthrop 55
 
Up Next for the Spartans
With Upstate's second conference "bye" coming Saturday, the Spartans' turn their preparation to the 2024 Big South Men's Basketball Championship. The event features a new home, the Qubein Center in High Point, N.C., and takes place from March 6-10.
 
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics 
Twitter | @UpstateMBB | @UpstateSpartans 
Instagram | @Upstate_MBB | @UpstateSpartans 
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans