Event Preview
Overview
The University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) women's basketball team is set to host the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) Spartans on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the G.B. Hodge Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This matchup marks the fourth consecutive season these two teams have faced off, highlighting a developing rivalry between the Spartans of the Big South Conference and the Southern Conference. Both teams are eager to gain momentum as they approach the heart of their respective conference schedules.
Season Snapshot
As of early December 2025, both USC Upstate and UNC Greensboro have shown competitive performances. USC Upstate enters the game with a 3-6 record, including a 3-0 mark at home, indicating a strong home-court advantage. UNC Greensboro holds a 4-4 record, with a 2-4 record on the road, suggesting challenges in away games. These records reflect the teams' ongoing adjustments and growth as they prepare for the rigors of conference play.
Recent Form
In their most recent outings, both teams have experienced mixed results. USC Upstate faced a significant challenge against No. 13 Kansas State, suffering a 110-24 defeat, with Serena Sundell achieving a rare triple-double. This game, while a tough loss, provided valuable experience against a top-tier opponent. UNC Greensboro, on the other hand, secured a decisive 76-37 victory over Mercer, marking their best Southern Conference regular-season finish. This win extended their streak to 11 games, showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders.
Talking Points
- Home-Court Advantage: USC Upstate's perfect home record suggests they are formidable on their own turf.
- UNC Greensboro's Road Woes: The Spartans' struggles away from home could be a critical factor in this matchup.
- Impact of Recent Losses: How will USC Upstate bounce back from their heavy defeat to Kansas State?
- UNC Greensboro's Winning Streak: Can they maintain their momentum after an impressive win over Mercer?
- Rivalry Dynamics: With both teams having three wins each in their last six encounters, this game could tip the balance.
Players to Watch
- AC Markham (USC Upstate): The senior forward led the team with eight points and six rebounds against No. 22 Kentucky, demonstrating her resilience and leadership. (upstatespartans.com)
- Makiah Asidanya (UNC Greensboro): Scored 18 points in a dominant win over North Greenville, showcasing her scoring prowess. (upstatespartans.com)
- Jayde Gamble (UNC Greensboro): Recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting her all-around game. (upstatespartans.com)
- Nya Smith (UNC Greensboro): Led the team with 14 points in their recent victory over Mercer, contributing significantly to their success. (greensborosports.com)
- Serena Sundell (Kansas State): Achieved a rare triple-double against USC Upstate, setting a high standard for performance. (reuters.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Home-Court Advantage vs. Road Challenges: USC Upstate's strong home performance contrasts with UNC Greensboro's difficulties on the road, potentially giving the home team an edge.
- Bounce-Back Potential: USC Upstate's ability to recover from a heavy loss will be tested against a confident UNC Greensboro squad.
- Rivalry Implications: With both teams having three wins each in their last six encounters, this game could be pivotal in establishing dominance in their developing rivalry.
Fun Facts
- Historical Rivalry: The "Battle of the Spartans" has been contested for four consecutive seasons, indicating a growing rivalry. (upstatespartans.com)
- UNC Greensboro's Streak: Their 11-game winning streak is the longest since the 1996-97 season, highlighting their current form. (greensborosports.com)
- USC Upstate's Home Record: Their 3-0 home record suggests they are formidable on their own turf.
- UNC Greensboro's Road Woes: The Spartans' struggles away from home could be a critical factor in this matchup.
- Impact of Recent Losses: How will USC Upstate bounce back from their heavy defeat to Kansas State?
Things to Chirp About
- "Can USC Upstate maintain their perfect home record against a strong UNC Greensboro team?"
- "Will UNC Greensboro overcome their road struggles to extend their winning streak?"
- "How will USC Upstate respond after a tough loss to Kansas State?"
- "Is this the game where the rivalry between the Spartans intensifies?"
Prediction
While both teams have their strengths, USC Upstate's home-court advantage and UNC Greensboro's road challenges could play a significant role. However, UNC Greensboro's recent form and winning streak may provide the momentum needed to secure a close victory. Fans can expect a competitive and closely contested game.