USC Upstate Spartans (15-14) vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (15-15)
Game Info: Friday, March 3, 2023 at 2:00 pm (Bojangles Coliseum)
Betting Odds: USC Upstate Spartans +4.5 -- Over/Under: 132 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Gardner-Webb Bulldogs and the SC Upstate will meet in Charlotte to face off in the quarterfinals of the Big South Championship at the Bojangles Coliseum. GWU leads the head-to-head series, 8-5.
Gardner-Webb closed at 15-15 after losing to SC Upstate in Spartansburg. The Runnin’ Bulldogs could erase a slim halftime deficit, and they’d fall to the Spartans by six, 75-69. GWU is scoring 70.9 points per game, while allowing 62.1 ppg, and shooting 46.8% from the field.
Gardner-Webb dropped their last four games, and they’ll look to avoid losing to Upstate two times in a row. Junior guard DQ Nicholas scored 20 points in the first meeting with the Spartans, and he leads GWU in scoring (12.4) and assists (3.1). Fellow junior guard Anthony Selden led with 21 points in the season finale, and he’s finished second on the team at 11.3 ppg. Senior forward Kareem Reid double-doubled against USCU last time out, and he averages 10.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg.
SC Upstate finished at 15-14 following a home win over Gardner-Webb. The Spartans controlled the second half to down the Bulldogs by six, 75-69. Upstate is scoring 72.2 points per game, while allowing 64.9 ppg, and shooting 47.9% from the field.
SC Upstate won six of their final seven games, and they carry the momentum into this quarterfinal matchup. Sophomore guard Jordan Gainey finished as the teams leading scorer after consistent production throughout conference play at 15.0 ppg. Sophomore swingman Trae Broadnax scored 16 points in the win over GWU, and he averages 10.9 ppg and team-leads of 4.2 rpg and 3.2 apg.
Gardner-Webb is 12-12 against the spread this season, with a 14-14 over/under record. SC Upstate is 14-12-1 ATS this year, with a 12-15 o/u record.
Upstate’s momentum might be too much to ignore here in this quarterfinal matchup. The Spartans played GWU well in the regular season finale, and there’s a good chance they give them another run for their money as underdogs. Upstate has downed conference leaders NC-Asheville and Longwood during this stretch, and I like spotting them the points Friday afternoon.
Corey’s Pick Upstate +4.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
