Event Preview
Overview
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the USC Upstate Spartans will host the Western Carolina Catamounts in a non-conference men's basketball matchup at the G.B. Hodge Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. EST. This game marks the fourth consecutive season these teams have faced each other, with USC Upstate leading the series 3-2. (upstatespartans.com)
Season Snapshot
Both teams enter this game with identical 4-4 records. USC Upstate has shown resilience, securing a notable 85-78 overtime victory against Coastal Carolina on December 3, 2025. (upstatespartans.com) Western Carolina, on the other hand, is coming off a commanding 124-62 win over Virginia University of Lynchburg on December 2, 2025, marking their highest point total since January 2010. (catamountsports.com)
Recent Form
USC Upstate's recent performance has been marked by a mix of close losses and a significant overtime win, indicating a team capable of competing at a high level. Western Carolina's decisive victory in their last outing suggests a team finding its rhythm offensively. Both teams are looking to build momentum as they approach the heart of their respective conference schedules.
Talking Points
- Offensive Momentum: Can Western Carolina's high-scoring performance carry over against a more competitive USC Upstate team?
- Defensive Adjustments: How will USC Upstate adjust defensively to contain Western Carolina's potent offense?
- Home Court Advantage: Will playing at the G.B. Hodge Center provide USC Upstate with the edge they need?
- Player Matchups: Which individual performances will be pivotal in determining the game's outcome?
Players to Watch
- Learic Davis (USC Upstate): A versatile wing player who contributed 11 points and nine rebounds in the win over Coastal Carolina, showcasing his all-around skills. (upstatespartans.com)
- CJ Hyland (Western Carolina): Led the Catamounts with a career-high 19 points in their recent victory, demonstrating his scoring prowess. (catamountsports.com)
- Mason Bendinger (USC Upstate): A junior forward averaging 16.2 points per game, ranking seventh in the Big South, and a consistent offensive threat. (bvmsports.com)
- Cord Stansberry (Western Carolina): Contributed 14 points, three assists, and three steals in the previous matchup against USC Upstate, highlighting his all-around impact. (foxsports.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Strategy: Western Carolina's high-scoring offense will test USC Upstate's defensive capabilities, particularly in limiting fast-break opportunities.
- Rebounding Battle: The performance of forwards like Learic Davis and Mason Bendinger will be crucial in controlling the boards and second-chance points.
- Guard Play: The effectiveness of guards such as Karmani Gregory (USC Upstate) and Cord Stansberry (Western Carolina) in orchestrating their respective offenses will be pivotal.
Fun Facts
- The highest-scoring game in the series occurred on December 2, 2022, when Western Carolina defeated USC Upstate 79-64. (covers.com)
- USC Upstate's 85-78 overtime win against Coastal Carolina on December 3, 2025, was their first road victory of the season. (upstatespartans.com)
- Western Carolina's 124 points against Virginia University of Lynchburg on December 2, 2025, marked their highest point total since January 2010. (catamountsports.com)
Things to Chirp About
- "Can Western Carolina's offense keep up the momentum after that 124-point game?"
- "Is USC Upstate's defense ready to handle the Catamounts' scoring surge?"
- "Will Learic Davis continue his strong performance from the last game?"
- "How will the home-court advantage play out for the Spartans?"
Prediction
This matchup promises to be a closely contested game, with both teams showcasing offensive capabilities and defensive challenges. While Western Carolina's recent high-scoring performance is impressive, USC Upstate's resilience and home-court advantage may provide the edge needed for a narrow victory. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive game as both teams vie for an important non-conference win.