CHARLESTON, S.C. - Opening their final regular-season road trip, the Spartans took the court for a Saturday afternoon matchup against Big South foe, Charleston Southern. The Spartans were led by Karmani Gregory and Mister Dean leading with 16 points apiece. Brit Harris followed with 15 points off the bench and Carmelo Adkins added 12 Points in a win over the Buccaneers.  

The Spartans proved to be well rested without seeing any action Wednesday night making this their first matchup since February 15. Karmani Gregory led with 16 points adding his fourth consecutive double figure game while being the assist leader with three. Mister Dean followed with 16 Points adding his 21st double digit game of the year while shooting over 50 percent in the win. Brit Harris' will to score off the bench has proven to continue to cause trouble to opposing defenders adding 15 points while shooting 50 percent from the field.  

USC Upstate shot 52.5 percent from the field as a team making it their first outing to do so since January 22, 2025, against High Point. From beyond the arc, the Spartans shot 5-for-13 outdueling the Buccaneers with a 7-for-26 outing from three. The Spartans used their presence in the paint to neutralize the Buccaneers on defense scoring 50 points in the paint compared to Charleston Southern's 30. The pace of the Spartans caused much trouble for the Buccaneers adding 23 fastbreak points compared to the Buccaneers' 10. USC Upstate won the turnover battle with nine compared to 17 and converted with 25 points off turnovers. 

Game Information  

Score: USC Upstate 79; Charleston Southern 69

Records: USC Upstate (6-23; Big South 2-12); Charleston Southern (10-20; Big South 6-9)  

Location: Buccaneer Fieldhouse |Charleston, S.C. 

How it Happened 

• The first half opened with six lead changes through the first six minutes as both teams looked to match the open intensity with three-pointers and pushing the pace. 

• The Spartans began to cause early adjustments to the Buccaneers with Mister Dean and Brit Harris running the floor for back to back layups to lead 26-23. 

• Charleston Southern continued showing fight under the five minute mark tying the game at 28 with a three-pointer and dunk.  

• The Spartans responded with Karmani Gregory spreading the floor for a three-pointer to regain the lead. Upstate followed with Isaiah Skinner jumping the passing lane for a steal and score. The run continued with back-to-back dunks from Mister Dean along with a three-pointer and layup from Karmani Gregory ending the first half with a 13-2 run and 12-point lead. 

Second Half 

• The momentum for Upstate continued in their favor opening the second half with a 10-2 run. The Spartans used their will to crash the board from missed shots to come up with Mister Dean connecting on a mid-range jumper followed by a three-pointer from Andrew McConnell. 

• Upstate's lead grew to 20 after the first media timeout with the gameplan of exhausting their opponent as three consecutive baskets were fastbreak layups. 

• Charleston Southern looked to make late runs but the paint presence of USC Upstate proved to be too much while moving their lead to 69-48. 

• The Buccaneers leaned on their leading scorer, Taje' Kelly to cut Upstate's lead to 1 13 with multiple free throws and jumpers but late free throws from Brit Harris held off Charleston Southern. 

Notable 

• Today's win snaps the losing streak for Men's Basketball along with snapping the three-game series streak that the Buccaneers held. 

• Upstate's win in the Buccaneer Field House is the first since February 19, 2022 while also tying the season series. 

• For the second consecutive weekend, the Spartans finish with four Upstate players scoring in double figures. 

Up Next for the Spartans  

Continuing their two-game road trip, the Spartans will travel to High Point, North Carolina for their final regular season road game against top-seeded High Point University Wednesday, February 26th with a 7:00 p.m. scheduled 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!