Radford logo
RAD
76
@
UPST
69
South Carolina Upstate logo
December 31, 2025
G.B. Hodge Center
Pre-Game Analysis

Preview: Radford at SC Upstate

The Battle of the Bottom Dwellers: SC Upstate Takes on Radford

In what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams struggling to find consistency, the South Carolina State (SC) Upstate Spartans are set to face off against the Radford Highlanders. With both squads reeling from recent losses and looking to bounce back, this game has all the makings of a thrilling, low-scoring affair.

Spartans' Rise from the Ashes

Led by the high-flying Mason Bendinger (15.6 PPG), SC Upstate has been on a hot streak lately, taking down Youngstown St, S Wesleyan, and North Carolina in their recent outings. The team's defense has been equally impressive, holding opponents to an average of 70 points per game over the past three contests.

Highlanders' Hopes Rest on Dennis Parker Jr.

On the other side, Radford is looking to its star player, Dennis Parker Jr., to lead the charge against the Spartans. The junior phenom has been dominating the league with his 20.0 PPG average, and his presence in the paint will be crucial for the Highlanders' success.

Bench Production: The X-Factor

However, it's not just about the starting lineups that could make or break this game. Both teams have relied heavily on their bench production to keep them afloat, and we might see which team can capitalize on this advantage first. Radford's bench has been particularly effective, with Tyson Brown (7.1 RPG) playing a key role in securing wins.

Recent Form: A Tale of Two Teams

Both SC Upstate and Radford have been riding hot streaks lately, with the Spartans boasting a 3-2 record over their last five games and the Highlanders also sitting at 3-2. This trend might not necessarily translate to the next contest, but it's clear that both teams are looking to build momentum heading into this matchup.

The Matchup: A Study in Contrasts

On paper, SC Upstate and Radford seem like vastly different teams. The Spartans boast a more explosive offense, led by Bendinger's scoring prowess, while the Highlanders rely on Parker Jr.'s defensive prowess to anchor their defense. However, when looking deeper into the numbers, it becomes clear that both teams have strengths that could neutralize each other.

The Verdict: A Low-Scoring Thriller

With both teams riding high and looking to bounce back from recent losses, this game is shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive battle. It's anyone's guess who will emerge victorious, but one thing is certain – we're in for a treat.

The Anticipation Builds...

Generated by AI 412 words 2.1 min read
Tags: SC Upstate Radford college basketball

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