Radford, Va. - Opening the second half of Big South play, USC Upstate began their two-game road trip in Virginia for an afternoon battle against Radford University. The Spartans were faced with an early deficit causing USC Upstate to adjust in the second half with defensive intensity along with all-around play from both units in Head Coach, Marty Richter's rotation. The Spartans shaved off a 10 point deficit at halftime to tie the game at the minute mark but late three-pointers and free throws helped the Highlanders hold off the second half comeback.  

The Spartans were led by Brit Harris heading the scoring column with 16 Points while shooting 50 percent (6-for-12) overall, and 100 percent from the charity stripe. Harris' double digit week averaged out to be 16.5 points in both games. Carmelo Adkins followed the scoring column with 14 Points while adding five rebounds, and one steal. Adkins was a key piece in helping the Spartans shoot over 40 percent from deep in the second half going 4-for-7 from three.  

Through the last six matchups, USC Upstate has outscored their opponents in the paint four out of six times. The Spartans outdueled the Highlanders in the paint with 28 to 20 and added 14 second chance points compared to Radford's 10. Head Coach Marty Richter's system of pushing the pace generated a slight edge over Radford with fastbreak points of 16 to the Highlanders' 15.  

Game Information 

Score: USC Upstate 69; Radford 79 

Records: USC Upstate (5-19; 1-8 Big South); Radford (15-9; 5-4 Big South) 

Location: Donald N. Dedmon Center | Radford, Va. 

How it Happened 

• Opening the first half, both opponents traded leads twice before Radford followed with a 14-3 run led by four triples and one layup.  

• The Spartans began to settle into their offense with Carmelo Adkins halting the run with a three-pointer followed by Mister Dean scoring in the paint on their next offensive trip.  

• Radford continued to attack the Spartans from beyond the arc increasing their lead to 32-19. The Highlanders shot 50 percent from three in the opening half going 7-for-14. 

• Under the two minute mark, the Spartans showed some life by attacking the basket as Daniel Helterhoff fought off the contact for a layup cutting into Radford's lead. Brit Harris began to find his rhythm in the matchup drawing a foul to convert two free throws at 44 second mark. On the last possession of the half, Harris used his speed to get past his defender for the mid-range jumper ending with a buzzer beater. 

Second Half 

• Through the opening four minutes, the Spartans executed their adjustments with their first six points coming from beyond the arc as Carmelo Adkins and Andrew McConnell converted for three.  

• The Spartans' plan to draw more fouls and find their shooters worked to perfection in cutting Radford's lead to single digits. Isiah Skinner and Chico Johnson's three-pointers were crucial shots under the 11 minute mark to bring the score to 50-46.  

• On the following inbound, Brit Harris found his sweet spot at the mid range slashing the Highlanders' lead to just two. Isiah Skinner continued to give the Spartans a boost off the bench as the foul he drew sent to him to charity stripe to tie the game at 50. 

• Business began to pick up for the conference opponents as two free made free throws from Daniel Helterhoff and a mid range jumper from Karmani Gregory cut the Highlander lead to 59-58. Late fouls from the Spartans boosted Radford's lead to eight going 5-for-5 five from the charity stripe. A last effort triple from the Highlanders and free throws were enough to stop the momentum for the Spartans' 40 point second half. 

Notable 

• Brit Harris' 16 Points his second consecutive double digit game of the week to finish with 16.5 points through matchups. Harris has shot 50 percent or better in both games while also going 100 percent from the charity stripe (5-for-5) in both matchups. 

• Carmelo Adkins had his highest scoring outing (14 Points) since the January 15, 2025 matchup at UNC Asheville (16 Points) while tying his career high in made three-pointers with four.  

Ingles I-26 Rivalry Food Drive: Support Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg by donating to the Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Food Drive through Wednesday, February 12.  All donations stay local and donors may scan the QR code on donation bins for a free ticket to an upcoming Upstate basketball game.  For donation locations and more information, click here.   

Up next for the Spartans 

USC Upstate continues their road trip with the Spartans making a pit stop to Clinton, South Carolina for their second meeting with Presbyterian College on Wednesday, February 5th for a scheduled 7:00 P.M. tip.  

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!