SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the court for a Big South home matchup, Upstate Men's Basketball hosted Longwood for Thursday night action where the Spartans outdueled the Lancers with late game stops and multiple big shots for a 65-60. 

Karmani Gregory led with 19 points shooting 8-for-15 while leading with five assists and four steals. Carmelo Adkins followed with his first double-double performance since February 8, 2025, with 18 points and 10 rebounds. This also marked Adkins' second double-double in Big South play. Adkins shot 6-for-11 from the field and 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. Coen Collier led with four blocks while adding three rebounds and one assist. Overall, Upstate edged past the Spartans shooting 44 percent from field along with shooting 32 percent from beyond the arc including a 60 percent second half. Longwood added 40 total rebounds (13 offensive and 27 defensive) compared to the Spartans' 35 (10 offensive and 25 defensive). With a game of runs, the lead changed hands 10 times while tied six. Tonight's win over the Lancers marked the first win in the Marty Richter era along with Upstate's first win against Longwood on February 14, 2024.  

Game Information 

Score: USC Upstate 65; Longwood 60 

Records: USC Upstate (10-13; 2-6 Big South) vs. Longwood (12-11; 4-4 Big South) 

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

How it Happened 

First Half 

• The first half opened with both teams trading blows with the lead trading hands five times through the first eight minutes. 

• As Upstate continued to find their footing, Longwood responded with a mid-range jumper and a triple to take the lead the 21-18 at the 2:08 mark. 

• Karmani Gregory's layup caught many eyes tying the game at 21 going into the half. 

Second Half 

• Longwood opened the second half, taking the lead 32-28 through the first five minutes. Upstate responded with three consecutive layups from Carmelo Adkins, Mason Bendinger and Karmani Gregory regaining the lead.  

• With the leads continuing to change hands, Carmelo Adkins put the Spartans back ahead with a three-pointer followed by Karmani Gregory continuing the party from beyond the arc. 

• As the Hodge began to get more into the game, Upstate's run continued building with another layup from Gregory giving Upstate their largest lead with 46-38. 

• Under the 10 minute mark, Upstate built their lead to nine with two consecutive triples from the backcourt of Karmani Gregory and Carmelo Adkins. Longwood began climbing from a nine point deficit cutting Upstate's lead to 55-51 with a 6-0 run. 

• With the score knotted at 60, Karmani Gregory used his strength converting on two consecutive circus layups. With a final stop, Upstate forced a miss from Longwood to finish the game with a 65-60 final. 

Notable 

• Tonight's win snaps a three-game losing streak and marked the first win over Longwood since February 14, 2024, being the first win during the Marty Richter era. 

• Carmelo Adkins secured the first double-double during the 2025-26 season and his first double-double since February 8, 2025. 

• Karmani Gregory's 19-point performance marked his 12th game with 15+ points or more. 

Up next for the Spartans  

Upstate Men's Basketball opens the second half of Big South play taking a trip down I-26 for the second round of the Ingles I-26 Rivalry on Wednesday, February 4th taking on UNC Asheville at 6:30 P.M. EST.  

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!  
 
Ingles I-26 Rivalry Food Drive: Support Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg by donating to the Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Food Drive through Saturday, February 14. 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.