SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Taking the court for Big South play in the G.B. Hodge Center, Upstate Men's Basketball renewed the Ingles I-26 Rivalry hosting UNC Asheville where the Bulldogs used their offensive firepower to overcome Upstate with a 83-69 final. 

Mason Bendinger led with a new career high of 28 points shooting 12-for-15 from the field and 4-for-4 from beyond the arc both also being career highs. Bendinger added two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the contest. Karmani Gregory followed with 16 points shooting 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-6 from the three-point line. Gregory added two steals and two assists. Breylin Garcia and Jafeth Martinez each led with five rebounds along with Martinez leading with two blocks on the evening.  

The Bulldogs won the battle in the paint with 42 points compared to Upstate's 38.  The Spartans' bench play outdueled UNC Asheville with 16 points to eight. From the field, the Bulldogs shot 51 percent and 53 percent from the three-point line. On the boards, Asheville grabbed 35 rebounds (eight offensive and 27 defensive) to Upstate's 31 (10 offensive and 21 defensive). The Bulldogs never surrendered their lead through both halves along with winning the free throw battle shooting 77 percent. 

Game Information 

Score: UNC Asheville 83; USC Upstate 69 

Records: USC Upstate (9-12; 1-5 Big South) vs. UNC Asheville (9-12; 3-5 Big South) 

Location: G.B. Hodge Center| Spartanburg, South Carolina 

How it Happened 

First Half 

• Asheville opened with an 8-2 run with two triples and a layup. Mason Bendinger halted the run scoring the first seven points for Upstate and cutting the Asheville lead to three. 

• With Isaiah Skinner's layup and Carmelo Adkins going 1-for-2 from the line, the score stood at 10 until the Bulldogs responded regaining the lead with a triple and attacking the paint to lead 21-14 under the 10-minute mark. 

• Mason Bendinger continued to find his footing and keep the Spartans within reach tying the game at 30 at the 3:35 mark.  Asheville regained the lead going a 6-0 run to end the half with a six-point cushion. 

Second Half 

• Mason Bendinger and Karmani Gregory opened the half scoring the first eight points for the Spartans looking add a second half spark. 

• The Bulldogs attacked the paint more in the second half drawing fouls to add their points at the charity stripe. With one triple added, Asheville led 48-38 resulting in the Spartans calling a timeout. 

• Upstate began an 8-2 run with two baskets from Mason Bendinger with one being a fastbreak layup and three-pointer followed by Learic Davis adding a triple on the following possession. 

• Under the 10 minute mark, Asheville stretched their lead to 12 and continued to make the Spartans commit fouls. A three-pointer at the 3:24 mark moved their lead to 75-60. Upstate responded with a three-pointer from Karmani Gregory followed by two more baskets from Gregory but the Bulldogs held off Upstate's comeback taking the win 83-69. 

Notable 

• Mason Bendinger's 28 points marked his new career high in points and his fifth 20+ point performance on the season. Bendinger also went 100 percent from the three-point line marking his career high with four triples. 

• Karmani Gregory's 16 points marked his 10th 15+ point performance of the season. His two steals marked his fifth game with two steals or more. 

Up next for the Spartans 

Following a Wednesday night battle, Upstate Men's Basketball adds a quick turnaround with a Friday night showdown in Boiling Springs, North Carolina taking on Gardner-Webb at 7:00 P.M.  

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!