If you’re walking around Columbia or Spartanburg, you know the drill. It’s usually all about the Garnet and Black versus the Orange and White. But there’s this other thing. It’s quieter, but honestly, it’s just as gritty. I’m talking about USC Upstate vs South Carolina. It’s the "big brother" from the SEC taking on the scrappy "little brother" from the Big South.
Most people just look at the scoreboard and move on. They see a 20-point blowout in basketball and think, "Yeah, that’s about right." But if you actually dig into the box scores or stand on the sidelines at a baseball game in April, you realize there’s a lot more tension here than the media lets on.
What Actually Happens When They Meet?
Let’s be real: the University of South Carolina (the Gamecocks) usually wins. They have the SEC money, the massive recruiting budgets, and the Colonial Life Arena. But USC Upstate—the Spartans—doesn't just roll over.
In men’s basketball, the Gamecocks have dominated the series recently. On December 14, 2024, South Carolina took down Upstate 73-53. It wasn't particularly close by the end, but the Spartans held their own in the first half. Nick Pringle, a graduate transfer for the Gamecocks, went off for 19 points that day. He was basically a human highlight reel with three dunks.
Upstate’s problem? They couldn't hit a barn door from the outside. They finished that game shooting 1-of-10 from the three-point line. You aren't beating an SEC team with those numbers. Honestly, you aren't beating many high schools with those numbers.
Recent Men’s Basketball Results
- Dec 14, 2024: South Carolina 73, USC Upstate 53
- Nov 6, 2023: South Carolina 82, USC Upstate 53
- Nov 25, 2022: South Carolina 68, USC Upstate 53
- Nov 9, 2021: South Carolina 78, USC Upstate 60
Notice a pattern? 53. The Spartans scored exactly 53 points against the Gamecocks three years in a row. That’s not a typo. It’s a bizarre statistical anomaly that honestly feels like a glitch in the matrix.
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The Baseball Diamond: Where Things Get Weird
If you want to see where USC Upstate actually scares the Gamecocks, look at baseball.
The Spartans have a legit program. They aren't just "good for their conference." They’re good, period. While the all-time series heavily favors South Carolina (the Gamecocks lead 17-1), that one win for Upstate in 2022 was a massive deal.
On May 10, 2022, Upstate went into Columbia and walked out with a 9-6 win. It snapped a 13-game losing streak against the Gamecocks. The energy in the Spartans' dugout that night was insane. It proved that on any given Tuesday night in the midweek, the talent gap isn't as wide as the jersey names suggest.
More recently, on April 8, 2025, the Gamecocks got their revenge with a 13-3 thumping that only lasted seven innings because of the run rule. It was a reminder that when the South Carolina bats wake up, they can end a game before the sun even goes down.
Why Does This Game Even Matter?
You might wonder why a school like South Carolina even schedules USC Upstate. It’s about the "Palmetto Series" vibe. Even though they aren't in the same conference, these games keep the money in-state.
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It’s great for the fans in Spartanburg who don't want to drive two hours to Columbia to see top-tier talent. And for the Upstate players? This is their Super Bowl. Many of these guys grew up in South Carolina. They were overlooked by the Gamecocks during recruiting. They play with a massive chip on their shoulder.
You can see it in the volleyball matches, too. Just this past September (2025), the Gamecocks swept the Spartans 3-0. But the third set? It was a 25-23 nail-biter. Upstate was actually winning 19-15 at one point. The Gamecocks had to dig deep—Emily Beeker ended up with 7 blocks to save the match.
The Experience: G.B. Hodge vs. Colonial Life
There is a huge contrast in how these games feel depending on the venue.
When Upstate goes to Columbia, they’re playing in a pro-style arena. It’s loud. It’s intimidating. But every now and then, the Gamecocks will play "home" games at neutral sites or even travel. In baseball, they’ve met at Fluor Field in Greenville. That’s where the crowd splits 50/50 and things get really fun.
A Quick Look at the Stats
- Men's Basketball: South Carolina leads the series significantly (undefeated since Upstate moved to D1).
- Baseball: Gamecocks lead 17-1, but the games are often decided by fewer than 3 runs.
- Volleyball: Gamecocks usually sweep, but the sets are getting tighter every year.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this isn't a "rivalry."
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Sure, it’s not Carolina-Clemson. No one is burning effigies in the streets over a USC Upstate loss. But for the athletes, it’s deeply personal. Talk to an Upstate alum and they’ll tell you: beating the "big" USC is the ultimate goal.
Also, don't sleep on the coaching. Marty Richter at Upstate is a tactician. He knows he can’t out-athlete the Gamecocks, so he tries to out-scheme them. It leads to a lot of low-scoring, grind-it-out games that are actually fascinating if you like defensive basketball.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on following the next USC Upstate vs South Carolina matchup, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Midweek Baseball: These are the most competitive games. The Gamecocks often rest their "Friday night" starters, which gives the Spartans a massive opening.
- Check the Spread: In basketball, the Gamecocks usually cover because of their depth. Upstate hangs around for 30 minutes, but the final 10 minutes usually belong to the SEC bench.
- Follow the Recruiting: Keep an eye on players who transfer from the Gamecocks to the Spartans. Those "revenge games" are where the most drama happens.
- Don't Just Look at the Final Score: In volleyball or soccer, look at the individual sets or halves. Upstate is closing the gap, even if they aren't winning the matches yet.
The next time these two schools meet, don't just assume it's a blowout. There's a lot of history, a bit of resentment, and a whole lot of South Carolina pride on the line.
To get the most out of the next game, check the official athletics websites for both schools about 48 hours before kickoff or tip-off. Rosters change fast in the transfer portal era, and knowing who's actually on the floor is the only way to predict if an upset is brewing. Keep an eye on the injury reports, specifically for South Carolina's big men, as that's usually where Upstate finds their leverage.