USC Upstate (6-26) vs California Baptist (17-15)
November 3, 2025 at 10:30 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: California Baptist — Over/Under:
In this article we will formulate a South Carolina Upstate vs California Baptist prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, November 3rd at the Dale E and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center in Riverside, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
South Carolina Upstate Spartans Betting Preview
The South Carolina Upstate Spartans went 6-26 (2-14) last year and they finished 9th in the Big South standings. SC Upstate started the season with a 97-66 loss to NC State, but did bounce back with a 103-70 win over a non-D1 team in their second game. The Spartans really struggled for the entire season and never won back to back D1 games at all. South Carolina Upstate finished the regular season by losing 13 of their last 14 games, then lost to Gardner-Webb by a score of 83-63 in their first game of the Big South standings. The Spartans scored 74.8 points per game, which ranked 144th in the country, while they allowed 83.5 points against per game, which ranked 361st.
This year, South Carolina Upstate does lose their top two scorers, who accounted for about 27 points and 8 rebounds per game, but they do return some other key players. The Spartans return their third, fourth, fifth, and sixth leading scorers, who all averaged at least 8.0 points per game, but Kanye Jones only played in two games. It isn’t easy to replace your top two scorers, but they are in decent shape coming into this season.
California Baptist Lancers Betting Preview
The California Baptist Lancers were 17-15 (9-7) last season and they finished 3rd in the WAC standings. Cal Baptist started the season with an 83-78 win over Incarnate Word and followed that up with an 88-84 win over Kennesaw State. The Lancers battled hard all season, but never won three games in a row until the last few games. Cal Baptist finished the season by winning four of their last six regular season games and they did beat Tarleton State in the WAC Tournament, but lost to Grand Canyon by a score of 75-66 to end the season. The Lancers scored 71.2 points per game, which ranked 254th in the nation, while they allowed 70.0 points against per game, which ranked 115th.
This season, California Baptist does return Dominique Daniels Jr and Martel Williams, who combined for about 20 points and 12 rebounds per game, but they lost their second, fourth, and fifth leading scorer. The Lancers have a pretty solid program, so I am confident they brought in some solid pieces, but they really need Daniels Jr and Williams to have a big start to the season.
Why the California Baptist Lancers will win
- USC Upstate has lost 14 of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents.
- California Baptist has won each of its last four games at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- California Baptist has won the first half in each of its last four games at Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- California Baptist ranked T14th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game last season (5.9).
- California Baptist ranked 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio last season (0.82).
South Carolina Upstate vs California Baptist Prediction
California Baptist finished above .500 on the season last year and they ended the campaign playing well, so they should have some momentum here. SC Upstate only had six total wins last season, but they should be slightly better, as they return some key pieces. Both teams have some experience returning, but I have much more faith in Cal Baptist getting the job done here. Take the Lancers to cover.