Spartans Edge Bulldogs in Close Contest
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:00 PM ET · Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
South Carolina Upstate Spartans 78, South Carolina State Bulldogs 72, 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 South Carolina Upstate Spartans vs South Carolina State Bulldogs?
South Carolina Upstate Spartans beat South Carolina State Bulldogs 78-72 at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on December 16, 2025.
Who was favored in South Carolina Upstate Spartans vs South Carolina State Bulldogs?
South Carolina Upstate Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -520 (about 84% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the South Carolina Upstate Spartans defeated the South Carolina State Bulldogs 78-72 at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on December 16, 2025. This game was notable as it showcased the stark contrast in the teams' recent performances, with the Bulldogs struggling to find their footing this season.
The Bulldogs entered the game with a dismal record of 0-12, having lost their last ten games. Their recent form has been troubling, with an average of 66.8 points scored per game while allowing an average of 88.0 points. In their last five games, they averaged just 65.2 points, while their opponents scored an average of 93.0 points. Their most recent loss came against the Queens University Royals, where they fell 78-102 on December 13. The Bulldogs have struggled both at home and away, with a home record of 0-1 and an away record of 0-9.
On the other hand, the Spartans had a more favorable record of 7-6, though they were coming off a loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels, where they lost 62-80. Their recent form has been mixed, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and an average of 79.7 points scored against 69.6 points allowed. In their last five games, they averaged 74.0 points scored while allowing 72.8 points. The Spartans have performed well at home with a record of 5-1, but they have struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-4.
In their previous meeting this season on December 18, 2024, the Spartans emerged victorious with an 85-70 win over the Bulldogs. This history gave the Spartans a psychological edge heading into the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is common for teams to face challenges with player availability that could impact performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Spartans favored by 10.5 points, with a moneyline of -520 for the Spartans and +390 for the Bulldogs. The total points line was set at 147.5, with over odds at -112.0 and under odds at -108.0, indicating a competitive expectation for scoring.
The conditions for the game were typical for indoor basketball, providing a controlled environment for both teams to showcase their skills.
As the game progressed, the Spartans maintained a slight lead, with key plays in the second half from Karmani Gregory and Tyler Smith helping to secure their victory. Gregory made critical free throws, while Smith contributed with important layups. The Bulldogs fought hard, with Jayden Johnson making a notable three-point jumper late in the game, but ultimately fell short.
This matchup highlighted the challenges faced by the Bulldogs as they continue to seek their first win of the season, while the Spartans look to build on their success and improve their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UPST -10.5 | 147.5 o -112 / u -108 | South Carolina Upstate Spartans -520 · South Carolina State Bulldogs +390 |
Leaders
- PointsOwen Bronston Jr.16South Carolina State Bulldogs
- AssistsRayniel Wright3South Carolina State Bulldogs
- ReboundsChris Parker7South Carolina State Bulldogs
- PointsMason Bendinger19South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- AssistsKarmani Gregory4South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- ReboundsLearic Davis9South Carolina Upstate Spartans
Recent form
South Carolina State Bulldogs
Last 10: 0-10Streak L1066.8 scored · 88 allowed per game0-1 at home
- L78-102at Queens University RoyalsDec 13
- L44-84at Charleston Southern BuccaneersDec 9
- L59-80at Bethune-Cookman WildcatsDec 6
- L79-101at Winthrop EaglesNov 29
- L66-98at Missouri TigersNov 26
- L81-82at South Dakota CoyotesNov 23
- L66-78vs Chattanooga MocsNov 20
- L61-88at Charleston CougarsNov 15
- L62-85at North Carolina A&T AggiesNov 11
- L72-82at Samford BulldogsNov 8
South Carolina Upstate Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L179.7 scored · 69.6 allowed per game0-4 away
- L62-80at North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 13
- W78-67vs Western Carolina CatamountsDec 6
- W85-78vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersDec 4
- L63-72at Nebraska CornhuskersNov 29
- W82-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesNov 26
- L64-72at West Georgia WolvesNov 22
- L84-88vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 20
- L60-73at UNC Wilmington SeahawksNov 16
- W114-53vs Bob Jones BruinsNov 13
- W105-46vs Southern Virginia KnightsNov 8
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 |
| Howard | 24-11 | - | 11-3 |
| Morgan State | 14-16 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Norfolk State | 15-17 | 3 | 8-6 |
| North Carolina Central | 14-18 | 3 | 8-6 |
| South Carolina State | 10-22 | 4 | 7-7 |
| Maryland Eastern Shore | 9-23 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Coppin State | 7-24 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Delaware State | 8-23 | 9 | 2-12 |
Box score
| Stat | South Carolina Upstate Spartans | South Carolina State Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-53 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 7-18 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 39 |
| Free throws | 16-25 | 9-13 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 18 |
| Assists | 15 | 10 |
| Steals | 6 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 22 |
| Fouls | 16 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 94 | 4 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-41Jafeth Martinez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-43Chris Parker makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-45Jayden Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half46-45Learic Davis makes layup (Isaiah Skinner assists)
- 2nd Half48-45Coen Collier makes layup (Isaiah Skinner assists)
- 2nd Half48-46Jayden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-46Carmelo Adkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-49Noah Treadwell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rayniel Wright assists)
- 2nd Half52-49Learic Davis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Skinner assists)
- 2nd Half54-49Coen Collier makes layup (Tyler Smith assists)
- 2nd Half56-49Carmelo Adkins makes layup
- 2nd Half57-49Carmelo Adkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-49Carmelo Adkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-49Tyler Smith makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-50Jayden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-51Jayden Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-51Mason Bendinger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-51Mason Bendinger makes layup
- 2nd Half63-53Owen Bronston Jr. makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-54Chris Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-55Chris Parker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-57Jayden Johnson makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-58Florian Tenebay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Mason Bendinger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-58Mason Bendinger makes layup (Karmani Gregory assists)
- 2nd Half66-61Owen Bronston Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Florian Tenebay assists)
- 2nd Half66-63Chris Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half67-63Karmani Gregory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Chris Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-65Chris Parker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-65Karmani Gregory makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyler Smith assists)
- 2nd Half70-67Chris Parker makes 18-foot jumper (Rayniel Wright assists)
- 2nd Half71-67Karmani Gregory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-67Karmani Gregory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-69Jayden Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half73-69Carmelo Adkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-69Carmelo Adkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-69Tyler Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half76-72Jayden Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half78-72Tyler Smith makes layup (Mason Bendinger assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina State Bulldogs, below favours South Carolina Upstate Spartans.
Venue
- Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial CenterOrangeburg, SC
- Attendance185
- OfficialsFred Williams, Kendell Ridley, Justin Mackie
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- 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