Spartans Defeat Catamounts in Home Showdown
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · G.B. Hodge Center
South Carolina Upstate Spartans 78, Western Carolina Catamounts 67, 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 Western Carolina Catamounts vs South Carolina Upstate Spartans?
South Carolina Upstate Spartans beat Western Carolina Catamounts 78-67 at G.B. Hodge Center on December 6, 2025.
Who was favored in Western Carolina Catamounts vs South Carolina Upstate Spartans?
South Carolina Upstate Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
The South Carolina Upstate Spartans secured a solid victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts, finishing the game with a score of 78-67 at the G.B. Hodge Center. This matchup was noteworthy as it featured two teams with contrasting home and away records, and it was a chance for the Spartans to build on their recent momentum.
Entering this game, the Spartans held a home record of 6-5 and were 5-5 in their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak after defeating the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 85-78 just two days prior. They averaged 79.9 points scored and allowed 70.2 points during this stretch, showcasing an offensive capability that had been consistent at home with a record of 4-1. The Spartans' scoring average in their last five games was 75.6, while they allowed an average of 75.4 points, indicating a competitive edge but also some defensive vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, the Catamounts entered the game with a 4-5 overall record and were also on a one-game winning streak after their decisive 124-62 victory against the Virginia Lynchburg Dragons. Despite this recent win, their overall performance had been shaky, particularly in away games where they struggled with a 0-6 record. In their last ten games, they averaged 76.2 points scored and 75.7 points allowed, suggesting they could match the Spartans offensively but had defensive challenges of their own.
The teams had met once before in the current season, with the Spartans emerging victorious in a close contest, winning 74-68 on December 7, 2024. This prior victory would have added an element of confidence for the Spartans as they faced the Catamounts again.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the overall health of the rosters can often play a critical role in a team's performance. Both teams were likely looking to field their best players to secure a win in this competitive matchup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Spartans favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 149.5. The home moneyline was listed at -142.0, while the away moneyline for the Catamounts was at 120.0. These odds indicated a close contest, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams.
Conditions in the G.B. Hodge Center were conducive to a high-energy game, and the Spartans capitalized on their home court advantage. The game saw a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Spartans' ability to capitalize on free throws and three-point opportunities. Karmani Gregory and Learic Davis were instrumental in the second half, contributing crucial free throws that helped maintain the Spartans' lead. Additionally, Julien Soumaoro's three-point jumper, assisted by CJ Hyland, further extended their advantage.
As the game progressed, the Spartans demonstrated their ability to control the tempo and make critical plays, ultimately sealing their victory and improving their record to 7-5. The Catamounts, despite their efforts, fell to 4-6, continuing their struggles on the road.
Overall, this game showcased the Spartans' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly at home, while the Catamounts will need to reassess their strategies as they continue to seek their first away victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UPST -2.5 | 149.5 o -110 / u -110 | Western Carolina Catamounts +120 · South Carolina Upstate Spartans -142 |
Leaders
- PointsMason Bendinger15South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- AssistsKarmani Gregory6South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- ReboundsLearic Davis9South Carolina Upstate Spartans
- PointsJustin Johnson13Western Carolina Catamounts
- AssistsCord Stansberry1Western Carolina Catamounts
- ReboundsSamuel Dada8Western Carolina Catamounts
Recent form
South Carolina Upstate Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W179.9 scored · 70.2 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W67-66at Fresno State BulldogsNov 6
- L75-87at California Baptist LancersNov 4
Western Carolina Catamounts
Last 10: 4-6Streak W176.2 scored · 75.7 allowed per game0-6 away
- W124-62vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsDec 2
- L73-93at High Point PanthersNov 29
- L62-83at Lipscomb BisonsNov 22
- W80-73vs UNC Asheville BulldogsNov 20
- W76-65vs Stetson HattersNov 16
- W95-44vs Voorhees TigersNov 14
- L54-95at Duke Blue DevilsNov 8
- L63-94at Cincinnati BearcatsNov 4
- L66-67at Mercer BearsMar 7
- L69-81at Mercer BearsMar 1
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
| 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 | Western Carolina Catamounts | South Carolina Upstate Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-58 | 23-51 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 4-17 | 8-26 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 31 |
| Free throws | 23-28 | 24-30 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 33 |
| Assists | 5 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 22 |
| Fouls | 24 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 4 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-42Learic Davis made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half40-42Abdulai Fanta Kabba made Layup.
- 2nd Half40-45Karmani Gregory made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tyler Smith.
- 2nd Half42-45Cord Stansberry made Jumper.
- 2nd Half42-47Mason Bendinger made Jumper.
- 2nd Half42-49Mason Bendinger made Layup. Assisted by Tyler Smith.
- 2nd Half42-50Mason Bendinger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-50Tidjiane Dioumassi made Layup.
- 2nd Half45-50Tidjiane Dioumassi made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-50Samuel Dada made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half48-50Samuel Dada made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-50Samuel Dada made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-50Justin Johnson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tahlan Pettway.
- 2nd Half52-52Tyler Smith made Layup.
- 2nd Half54-52Julien Soumaoro made Layup.
- 2nd Half54-55Tyler Smith made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Karmani Gregory.
- 2nd Half54-57Karmani Gregory made Layup.
- 2nd Half54-58Karmani Gregory made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-58Samuel Dada made Layup.
- 2nd Half56-61Isaiah Skinner made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Karmani Gregory.
- 2nd Half56-63Learic Davis made Dunk. Assisted by Karmani Gregory.
- 2nd Half57-63CJ Hyland made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-63CJ Hyland made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-64Mason Bendinger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-65Mason Bendinger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-65CJ Hyland made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-65CJ Hyland made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-68Learic Davis made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Isaiah Skinner.
- 2nd Half60-70Mason Bendinger made Layup. Assisted by Learic Davis.
- 2nd Half62-70CJ Hyland made Layup.
- 2nd Half62-71Karmani Gregory made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-72Karmani Gregory made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-73Karmani Gregory made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-74Karmani Gregory made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-75Learic Davis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-76Learic Davis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-76Julien Soumaoro made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by CJ Hyland.
- 2nd Half65-77Carmelo Adkins made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-78Carmelo Adkins made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-78Samuel Dada made Two Point Tip Shot.
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina Upstate Spartans, below favours Western Carolina Catamounts.
Venue
- G.B. Hodge CenterSpartanburg, SC
- Attendance419
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