Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

USC Upstate and UNC Asheville Clash in Spartanburg

Fans cheering during the USC Upstate vs UNC Asheville basketball game with food drive collection bins.

News Summary

In Spartanburg, USC Upstate faces off against UNC Asheville in a thrilling basketball matchup. Beyond the action on the court, this event includes the 2nd Annual Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Food Drive, encouraging fans to donate food for a good cause. As both teams gear up, the Spartans hope to overcome recent struggles, while the Bulldogs aim to maintain their strong performance. This community-focused event promises not only exhilarating basketball but also a chance to support local charities.

Spartanburg Prepares for a Food-Filled Showdown Between USC Upstate and UNC Asheville

The Excitement Builds

In the lively city of Spartanburg, basketball fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup as the USC Upstate Spartans face off against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs. This game isn’t just about hoops; it’s also about giving back to the community! From January 15 to February 12, USC Upstate is hosting the 2nd Annual Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Food Drive that coincides beautifully with the basketball games.

The Teams’ Recent Performance

As the Spartans take to the court with a record of 5-13, they’ve faced quite a few challenges this season. Recently, they encountered a tough competition against Radford, where they suffered a loss with a score of 80-67. To add to their struggles, they have only managed to secure one win out of their last six games. In contrast, the Bulldogs from UNC Asheville are riding high with an impressive record of 11-6 after their victory over Presbyterian, where they netted an exciting score of 96-87.

Throughout the season, the Spartans have been averaging around 75.2 points per game, while the Bulldogs are showing off their scoring prowess with an impressive average of 85.9 points per game. With such a noticeable difference in scoring power, it’s no wonder the Spartans are considered the underdog for the eighth consecutive time in this matchup. As the game opens, UNC Asheville comes in as a 13-point favorite, following just behind their initial betting line of 12.5 points.

The Thrill of the First Quarter

Earlier in the game, USC Upstate surprisingly took the lead with a score of 49-46 after the first quarter. Fans were buzzing with excitement, reveling in the unexpected turn of events. However, it’s important to note that both teams have significant strengths that can turn the tide at any moment.

Making a Difference While Enjoying the Game

The most heartwarming part of this matchup is undoubtedly the food drive. The USC Upstate Spartans are actively encouraging fans to donate canned and non-perishable food items that will directly benefit Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg. This charitable initiative allows fans to play a key role in supporting the community while basking in the thrill of the game. As a special thank you, all fans who donate will have a chance to win tickets to a future USC Upstate basketball game!

On the same night, the excitement doesn’t end there. The women’s basketball teams will also be hitting the court, with USC Upstate facing off against UNC Asheville starting at 6:00 pm, followed by the men’s teams at 7:30 pm. With a full evening of action planned, it’s one of the best times to be a basketball fan in Spartanburg!

Standout Performers

Among the standout performers in the last game for the Bulldogs was Jordan Marsh, who astonishingly scored a career-high 30 points against Presbyterian. His teammates also put in strong showings, with Solomon contributing 18 points and Banks rounding out the performance with 16 points. With such talent on the Bulldogs’ roster, it is natural for fans to keep their eyes peeled for more standout plays during the evening’s game.

Bringing It All Together

As Spartanburg prepares for this thrilling game, the spirit of sportsmanship and community pride shines brightly. Whether you’re rooting for the Spartans or the Bulldogs, one thing is for sure: this match promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, excitement, and goodwill. So gather your friends and family, bring some extra cans of food for the food drive, and get ready for a memorable night of basketball in Spartanburg!