Gardner-Webb Edges South Carolina Upstate in Tight Contest
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Freedom Hall (TN)
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 65, South Carolina Upstate Spartans 64, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs vs South Carolina Upstate Spartans?
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs beat South Carolina Upstate Spartans 65-64 at Freedom Hall (TN) on March 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs vs South Carolina Upstate Spartans?
South Carolina Upstate Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs narrowly defeated the South Carolina Upstate Spartans with a final score of 65-64. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked a significant victory for Gardner-Webb, who had struggled throughout the season with a record of 4-28, while South Carolina Upstate entered with a record of 13-19. The contest took place at Freedom Hall in Tennessee, showcasing the intensity of college basketball.
Both teams had been in contrasting form leading up to this game. The Spartans had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with an average of 71.2 points scored and 74.8 points allowed. They were coming off a win against Gardner-Webb just a week prior, where they secured a 71-61 victory at home. In their last five games, South Carolina Upstate had managed to average 69.0 points while allowing 71.2 points. Conversely, Gardner-Webb had been on a nine-game losing streak, with their last victory dating back to earlier in the season. They averaged 68.5 points scored and allowed 80.8 points during their last ten games, indicating defensive struggles that plagued them throughout the season.
Home and away performances also highlighted the disparity between the two teams. South Carolina Upstate had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while Gardner-Webb struggled significantly on the road, holding an away record of 0-5. Historically, Gardner-Webb had faced South Carolina Upstate five times in the past two seasons, with the Spartans winning four of those encounters. However, the Bulldogs managed to flip the script in this latest meeting, showcasing resilience and determination.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either roster, allowing both teams to field their strongest lineups. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had South Carolina Upstate favored by 10.5 points, with a money line of -625 for the Spartans and +455 for the Bulldogs. The total points line was set at 143.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
The conditions during the game were not detailed, but the atmosphere at Freedom Hall was likely electric, given the stakes for both teams. Fans witnessed an exciting back-and-forth contest, culminating in a nail-biting finish. Key moments included a series of crucial scoring plays in the second half, where Jacob Hudson's floating jump shot put Gardner-Webb ahead 59-58, followed by a free throw by Jacob Hogarth to extend the lead.
As the game progressed, Carmelo Adkins hit a significant three-pointer to give South Carolina Upstate a brief lead, but Jamias Ferere's driving layup and subsequent free throws ultimately sealed the victory for Gardner-Webb. The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their fighting spirit.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where even the underdog can triumph against the odds. Fans of both teams will be looking ahead to see how they can build on this game as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UPST -10.5 | 143.5 o -115 / u -105 | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs +455 · South Carolina Upstate Spartans -625 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaiah Skinner18South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- AssistsTyler Smith5South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- ReboundsBreylin Garcia5South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- PointsJamias Ferere21Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- AssistsJamias Ferere3Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- ReboundsJamias Ferere12Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Recent form
South Carolina Upstate Spartans
Last 10: 4-6Streak W171.2 scored · 74.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W71-61vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsFeb 28
- L59-71at Radford HighlandersFeb 27
- W76-74vs Presbyterian Blue HoseFeb 21
- L64-68at Winthrop EaglesFeb 19
- L75-82at Longwood LancersFeb 14
- L70-95vs High Point PanthersFeb 13
- W100-94vs Charleston Southern BuccaneersFeb 7
- L67-76at UNC Asheville BulldogsFeb 4
- W65-60vs Longwood LancersJan 30
- L65-67at Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsJan 24
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
Last 10: 1-9Streak L968.5 scored · 80.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- L61-71at South Carolina Upstate SpartansFeb 28
- L71-77vs UNC Asheville BulldogsFeb 27
- L70-82at Radford HighlandersFeb 20
- L66-75at Charleston Southern BuccaneersFeb 17
- L87-112vs High Point PanthersFeb 14
- L85-103vs Winthrop EaglesFeb 13
- L62-68at Presbyterian Blue HoseFeb 7
- L66-86vs Longwood LancersFeb 5
- L50-69at UNC Asheville BulldogsJan 29
- W67-65vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansJan 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Point | 31-5 | - | 15-1 |
| Winthrop | 23-11 | 2 | 13-3 |
| Radford | 16-16 | 6 | 9-7 |
| Longwood | 16-16 | 7 | 8-8 |
| UNC Asheville | 15-17 | 7 | 8-8 |
| Presbyterian | 15-18 | 8 | 7-9 |
| Charleston Southern | 15-17 | 9 | 6-10 |
| South Carolina Upstate | 13-19 | 10 | 5-11 |
| Gardner-Webb | 4-29 | 14 | 1-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs | South Carolina Upstate Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-53 | 23-52 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 5-16 | 9-26 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 35 |
| Free throws | 16-20 | 9-14 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 20 |
| Assists | 7 | 16 |
| Steals | 11 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 28 |
| Fouls | 12 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 17 | 17 |
| Time in front | 34 | 53 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half31-32Breylin Garcia makes layup (Mason Bendinger assists)
- 2nd Half33-32Jacob Hogarth makes driving layup
- 2nd Half33-35Carmelo Adkins makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mason Bendinger assists)
- 2nd Half36-35Spence Sims makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ace Talbert assists)
- 2nd Half38-35Jacob Hudson makes 5-foot dunk (Jamias Ferere assists)
- 2nd Half38-38Carmelo Adkins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Karmani Gregory assists)
- 2nd Half40-38Jamias Ferere makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-38Jamias Ferere makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-39Isaiah Skinner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-40Isaiah Skinner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-40Jacob Hudson makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half43-42Isaiah Skinner makes layup (Coen Collier assists)
- 2nd Half43-43Isaiah Skinner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-43Ace Talbert makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-43Jacob Hudson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-43Jacob Hudson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-43Ace Talbert makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-43Ace Talbert makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-45Coen Collier makes layup (Tyler Smith assists)
- 2nd Half50-45Jacob Hogarth makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-45Jacob Hogarth makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-47Isaiah Skinner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-47Jamias Ferere makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-47Jamias Ferere makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-48Breylin Garcia makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-50Isaiah Skinner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-51Isaiah Skinner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-53Mason Bendinger makes layup (Isaiah Skinner assists)
- 2nd Half54-56Isaiah Skinner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Carmelo Adkins assists)
- 2nd Half56-56Jacob Hudson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half57-56Jacob Hudson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-58Mason Bendinger makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half59-58Jacob Hudson makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half60-58Jacob Hogarth makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-61Carmelo Adkins makes 26-foot three point jumper (Mason Bendinger assists)
- 2nd Half62-61Jamias Ferere makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-64Karmani Gregory makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half63-64Spence Sims makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-64Jamias Ferere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-64Jamias Ferere makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina Upstate Spartans, below favours Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs.
Venue
- Freedom Hall (TN)Johnson City, TN
- Attendance1218
- OfficialsJerry Heater, Anthony Eades, Joe Switzer
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond