SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the G.B. Hodge Center to open their three-game homestand for the second half of Big South play, USC Upstate battled Winthrop University for a Saturday afternoon rematch where with each Spartan that stepped on the court contributed to the scoring of Upstate with their second highest scoring output of 2025 and of the season.  

Mister Dean led in scoring with 21 Points for his 19th double figure game and ninth 20 point game of the season. Off the bench, Brit Harris showcased 19 Points shooting 8-for-12 overall and 2-for-3 from the charity stripe.  Carmelo Adkins fired away for his third consecutive double figure game with 17 Points featuring his career high in three-pointers made going five-for-eight from beyond the arc. Karmani Gregory was the fourth Spartan in double figures with 15 Points, four assists, one steal while shooting 7-for-9 from the free throw line.  

USC Upstate won the battle with Fastbreak points adding 11 compared to Winthrop's 10. Upstate's bench has helped the starters stay energized throughout the game by aiding in the scoring with Spartans outdueling with 33 bench points compared to the Eagles' 20 bench points. Winthrop edged the Spartans in the paint with 46 points in the paint compared to Upstate's 40. The matchup featured nine lead changes with 13 ties. 

Game Information  

Score: USC Upstate 95; Winthrop 105 

Records: USC Upstate (5-21; 1-10 Big South); Winthrop (17-9; 7-4 Big South)  

Location: G.B. Hodge Center | Spartanburg, S.C. 

How it Happened  

First Half 

• Opening the first half with a 7-2 run, Winthrop adjusted to the flow of the Spartans by responding with a 9-2 run to wipe the lead away from Upstate. The second unit began to add into the scoring for the Spartans with Brit Harris and Nic Book scoring back to back baskets.  

• As both teams got into their gameplan, Mister Dean helped the Spartans regain the lead with a steal and score on the other end.  

• Winthrop looked to pull away on a run but Upstate continued matching the intensity with shots from Mister Dean and Karmani Gregory to tie the game at 40.  

• The first half highlighted offensive firepower with the final shot of the half being a step back jumper from Mister Dean with the Spartans trailing by at half. Mister Dean led with 15 Points while shooting 6-for-8. 

Second Half 

• The action in the Hodge Center continued to see back and forth scoring with the lead being changed three different times through the first five minutes. USC Upstate began to find their way into the paint with their following three scores being from Daniel Helterhoff and Chico Johnson. 

• Under the 10 minute mark, Upstate moved their lead to 75-70 with Mister Dean using his strength to drive through the lane for another layup. Winthrop halted the momentum by the Spartans scoring the following nine points through free throws and a shot beyond the arc. 

• The Eagles' offense began to take control with outdueling the Spartans in the paint taking their largest lead by 11 with eight of their points being under the basket. 

• Paint play and free throws told the story for the Eagles through the final five minutes as USC Upstate were unable to convert on their attempts to keep up with the pace to fall to the Eagles by 10. 

Notable 

• Freshman Guard, Carmelo Adkins finished the week averaging 17.0 Points with back to back 17 Point efforts against Presbyterian and Winthrop.  

• Each player that appeared on the court for the Spartans through Coach Marty Richter's rotation each contributed to the 95 points of scoring the USC Upstate. 

Up Next for the Spartans  

Continuing the home cooking in the G.B. Hodge Center, USC Upstate renews their I-26 Rivalry Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 P.M. against UNC Asheville where the Spartans looks to even the score in Hub City. 

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.  

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