LINCOLN, Neb. - Coming off the Holidays for the second game of the week, Upstate Men's Basketball traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska for a non-conference road matchup against Big Ten opponent, Nebraska where the Cornhuskers used a 40-point second half to overcome the hot first half from the Spartans with a 72-63 final. 

The Spartans were led by Karmani Gregory leading with a 20-point performance while adding a new career-high from beyond the arc with six triples. His 20-point performance marked the second 20+ point performance of the month where he opened the season with a 24-point outing in the season opener at California Baptist. Mason Bendinger followed with 13 points, adding his eighth 10+ point outing of the season while going 6-for-13 from the field. Isaiah Skinner added 12 points off the bench for a new career high in points and triples going 4-for-5 from beyond the arc along with leading four steals. Rounding out the double-digit performance, Carmelo Adkins added 11 points while leading with nine rebounds and adding three steals. Jafeth Martinez also added nine rebounds along with a steal on the evening. Kanye Jones, Coen Collier, and Learic Davis each recorded a block with the Spartans adding a total of three.  

The Cornhuskers outdueled the Spartans in the rebounding column with 45 (10 offensive and 35 defensive) compared to Upstate's 36 (nine offensive and 27 defensive). Going the distance, Upstate shot 35 percent from three-point range opposed to Nebraska's 26 percent with Gregory leading the Spartans with six triples followed by Skinner contributing with four. In the paint, Nebraska overpowered the Spartans with 34 points in the paint compared to the Spartans' 12.  

Game Information 

Score: Nebraska 72: USC Upstate 63 

Records: USC Upstate (4-5; 0-0 Big South) vs. Nebraska (8-0; 0-0 Big Ten) 

Location: Pinnacle Bank Arena | Lincoln, Nebraska 

How it Happened 

First Half 

• The lead changed hands for both opponents four times through the first five minutes, but the Spartans were able to build their lead to 11-8 following two consecutive scores from Carmelo Adkins. 

• Upstate's lead continued to grow with four consecutive triples from Karmani Gregory and Isaiah Skinner bringing the score to 23-11 at the 10:33 mark.  

• The paint attack began to go into the Spartans' favor following a layup and a tip-in from Learic Davis on back-to-back offensive possessions.  

• Nebraska used two consecutive triples, the paint attack, and free throws to jump start a 17-3 run regaining the lead for the first time since the 15:20 mark. Isaiah Skinner converted on the buzzer-beating three-pointer, bringing Nebraska's lead to 32-30. 

Second Half 

• Carmelo Adkins opened the half scoring the first two baskets for the Spartans with a layup and three-pointer tying it at 35. 

• A 11-3 run from Nebraska put the Cornhuskers back in the driver's seat while adjusting their defensive scheme of protecting the paint. 

• The Spartans began to find the bottom of the net with Mason Bendinger converting on the following two possessions with a floater followed by a triple cutting Nebraska's lead to 49-43. Now under the 10-minute mark, the Cornhuskers stretched their lead to 11 stretching the floor from three and attacking the paint. 

• Trailing 68-54 with 1:22 left, with Upstate continued to find answers on the offensive end splashing three consecutive three's from Karmani Gregory and Isaiah Skinner cutting the Nebraska lead to 70-63. The Cornhuskers were able to hold the lead and convert their following two free throws for a 72-63 final. 

Notable 

• Karmani Gregory's six triples are the most he has made in a single game wearing an Upstate uniform with his previous career high being three against Gardner-Webb on February 15, 2025.  

• Isaiah Skinner's four triples marked his new career high with his previous being three against UNC Asheville on February 12, 2025. 

• Mason Bendinger's 13 point performance added his eighth 10+ point performance of the season and moving his season field goal total to 58. 

Up next for the Spartans  

Following a road matchup at Nebraska, Upstate returns to the G.B. Hodge Center for a Wednesday night matchup hosting Sun Belt Opponent, Coastal Carolina on December 3rd at 7:00 P.M. live on ESPN+  

Connect with the Spartans              
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics              
Twitter | @UpstateMBB | @UpstateSpartans              
Instagram | @Upstate_MBB | @UpstateSpartans              
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans             

INVEST IN CHAMPIONS - Join the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF) and enjoy enhanced benefits for your support of all USC Upstate programs! Make your gift today, click here!